Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Retort \Re*tort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retorted}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Retorting}.] [L. retortus, p. p. of retorquere; pref. re-
   re- + torquere to turn twist. See {Torsion}, and cf.
   {Retort}, n., 2.]
   1. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.

            With retorted head, pruned themselves as they
            floated.                              --Southey.

   2. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.

            As when his virtues, shining upon others, Heat them
            and they retort that heat again To the first giver.
                                                  --Shak.

   3. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or
      incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.

            And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
                                                  --Milton.