v. t. [ L. contortus, p. p. of contorquere to twist; con- + torquere to twist. See Torture. ] To twist, or twist together; to turn awry; to bend; to distort; to wrest. [ 1913 Webster ]
The vertebral arteries are variously contorted. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]
Kant contorted the term category from the proper meaning of attributed. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
n. [ L. contortio: cf. F. contorsion. See Contort, and cf. Torsion. ] A twisting; a writhing; wry motion; a twist;
All the contortions of the sibyl, without the inspiration. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who makes or practices contortions;
a. Expressing contortion. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. contortuplicatus; contortus contorted + plicare to fold. ] (Bot.) Plaited lengthwise and twisted in addition, as the bud of the morning-glory. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]