Sorb, n.2
(sɔːb)
Also Sorbe.
[ad. G. Sorbe, var. of Serbe, representing the national designation Serb (pl. Serbjo): cf. Serb.
The o may be due to the influence of med.L. Sorabi: see Sorabian.]
1. A member of the Slavonic race inhabiting Lusatia in the east of Saxony; a Wend.
| 1843 Penny Cycl. XXVI. 206/1 Sorbes or Sorabes, between the rivers Saale and Elbe. 1883 Morfill Slavonic Lit. x. 248 The term is still applied to the Sorbs and the Slovenes. 1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 353/1 The Sorbs had been reduced to a condition of miserable serfdom. |
2. The language spoken by this race.
| 1862 [see Sorabian]. 1887 Encycl. Brit. XXII. 147/2 Thus Chekh, Polish, Lower Sorb, ten; Upper Sorbish, ton. |