sorrel

¹

[ sawr-uhl, sor- ]

noun

1. light reddish-brown.
2. a horse of this color, often with a light-colored mane and tail.

adjective

1. of the color sorrel.

sorrel

²

[ sawr-uhl, sor- ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Rumex, of the buckwheat family, having edible acid leaves used in salads, sauces, etc.
2. any of various sour-juiced plants of the genus Oxalis. Compare wood sorrel.
3. any of various similar plants.

sorrel

¹

/ ˈsɒrəl /

noun

1. any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus Rumex, esp R. acetosa, of Eurasia and North America, having acid-tasting leaves used in salads and sauces See also dock 4 sheep sorrel
2. short for wood sorrel

sorrel

²

/ ˈsɒrəl /

noun

1. 1. a light brown to brownish-orange colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a sorrel carpet

2. a horse of this colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Old French sorel, equivalent to sor brown (< Germanic ) + -el diminutive suffix; -elle

Origin of sorrel²

1350–1400; Middle English sorell < Old French surele, equivalent to sur sour (< Germanic; akin to Old High German sūr sour) + -el diminutive suffix; -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel¹

C14: from Old French surele, from sur sour, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German sūr sour

Origin of sorrel²

C15: from Old French sorel, from sor a reddish brown, of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch soor desiccated

Example Sentences

When sunlight touches the sorrel, the leaves fold downward to protect themselves, then right themselves once direct sunlight has passed.

From Outside Online

Next came Dolly, after a big sorrel mare; and Paul, after a freckled pinto; and so on down the line.

From The Daily Beast

Bill Barry's statement that the cru-colored bovine was "lively" and could outrun his sorrel mare was, at least founded upon fact.

From Project Gutenberg

That morning, it was the first Sunday after Easter, the Duchess rode out of the castle on her great sorrel horse, while on?

From Project Gutenberg

Young Matt knew the step of that horse, as well as he knew the sound of old Kate's bell, or the neigh of his own sorrel.

From Project Gutenberg

The sorrel drew steadily ahead; he was passing when Brann turned.

From Project Gutenberg

One on a big sorrel and the other on a roan with white stockings on the front feet?

From Project Gutenberg