settlement
/ˈsetlmənt; `sɛtlmənt/ n
1
(a) [U] settling or being settled 解决; 处理; 决定; 和解
the settlement of a debt, dispute, claim 债务的偿还、 争端的解决、 索赔的清偿.
(b) [C] agreement, etc that settles sth 解决某事物之协议等
a lasting settlement of the troubles 一劳永逸的解决纠纷的办法
The strikers have reached a settlement with the employers. 罢工的人已同雇主达成协议.
2 [C] (law 律) (document stating the) terms on which money or property is given to sb; money or property given in this way 金钱或财产的转让（契约）; 转让的金钱或财产
a `marriage settlement, ie one made by a spouse in favour of his/her spouse when they get married 婚姻财产协议（结婚时一方向配偶转让财产的协议）.
3
(a) [U] process of settling in a colony 殖民（过程）
the gradual settlement of the American West 向美国西部逐渐伸展的殖民过程.
(b) [C] place where colonists have settled 殖民地
Dutch and English settlements in North America 荷兰人和英国人在北美的殖民地
penal settlements in Australia 澳大利亚流放地.
4 (idm 习语) in settlement (of sth) as payment (for sth) 对（债务等的）清偿
I enclose a cheque in settlement of your account. 兹附支票一张以结清贵处帐目.