set¹ / set/ • v. (set·ting; past set) 1. [tr.] put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position: Dana set the mug of tea down | Catherine set a chair by the bed. ∎  (be set) be situated or fixed in a specified place or position: the village was set among olive groves on a hill. ∎  represent (a story, play, movie, or scene) as happening at a specified time or in a specified place: a spy novel set in Berlin. ∎  mount a precious stone in (something, typically a piece of jewelry): a bracelet set with emeralds. ∎  mount (a precious stone) in something. ∎  Printing arrange (type) as required. ∎  Printing arrange the type for (a piece of text): article headings will be set in Times fourteen point. ∎  prepare (a table) for a meal by placing cutlery, dishes, etc., on it in their proper places. ∎  (set something to) provide (music) so that a written work can be produced in a musical form: she set his poem to music. ∎  [intr.] (of a dancer) acknowledge another dancer, typically one's partner, using the steps prescribed: the gentleman sets to and turns with the lady on his left hand. ∎  cause (a hen) to sit on eggs. ∎  place (eggs) for a hen to sit on. ∎  put (a seed or plant) in the ground to grow. ∎  give the teeth of (a saw) alternating outward inclinations. ∎  Sailing put (a sail) up in position to catch the wind: a safe distance from shore all sails were set. See also set sail below.2. [tr.] put or bring into a specified state: plunging oil prices set in motion an economic collapse in Houston | [tr.] the hostages were set free. ∎  [tr.] cause (someone or something) to start doing something: the incident set me thinking. ∎  [tr.] instruct (someone) to do something: he'll set a man to watch you. ∎  give someone (a task): the problem we have been set. ∎  devise (a test) and give it to someone to do. ∎  establish as (an example) for others to follow, copy, or try to achieve: the scheme sets a precedent for other companies. ∎  establish (a record): his time in the 25-meter freestyle set a national record. ∎  decide on: they set a date for a full hearing at the end of February. ∎  fix (a price, value, or limit) on something: the unions had set a limit on the size of the temporary workforce.3. [tr.] adjust the hands of (a clock or watch), typically to show the right time. ∎  adjust (an alarm clock) to sound at the required time. ∎  adjust (a device or its controls) so that it performs a particular operation: you have to be careful not to set the volume too high. ∎  Electr. cause (a binary device) to enter the state representing the numeral 1.4. [intr.] harden into a solid or semisolid state: cook for a further thirty-five minutes until the filling has set. ∎  [tr.] arrange (the hair) while damp so that it dries in the required style: she had set her hair on small rollers. ∎  [tr.] put parts of (a broken or dislocated bone or limb) into the correct position for healing. ∎  [tr.] deal with (a fracture or dislocation) in this way. ∎  (of a bone) be restored to its normal condition by knitting together again after being broken: dogs' bones soon set. ∎  (with reference to a person's face) assume or cause to assume a fixed or rigid expression: [intr.] her features never set into a civil parade of attention | [tr.] Travis's face was set as he looked up. ∎  (of the eyes) become fixed in position or in the feeling they are expressing: his bright eyes set in an expression of mocking amusement. ∎  (of a hunting dog) adopt a rigid attitude indicating the presence of game.5. [intr.] (of the sun, moon, or another celestial body) appear to move toward and below the earth's horizon as the earth rotates: the sun was setting and a warm, red glow filled the sky.6. [intr.] (of a tide or current) take or have a specified direction or course: a fair tide can be carried well past Lands End before the stream sets to the north.7. [tr.] start (a fire).8. [tr.] (of blossom or a tree) develop into or produce (fruit). ∎  [intr.] (of fruit) develop from blossom. ∎  (of a plant) produce (seed): the herb has flowered and started to set seed.9. inf. dial. sit: a perfect lady—just set in her seat and stared.PHRASES: set one's heart (or hopes) on have a strong desire for or to do: she had her heart set on going to college.set sail hoist the sails of a vessel. ∎  begin a voyage: tomorrow we set sail for France.set one's teeth clench one's teeth together. ∎  become resolute: they have set their teeth against a change which would undermine their prospects of forming a government.set up shopsee shop.set someone straight inform someone of the truth of a situation.set the wheels in motion do something to begin a process or put a plan into action.PHRASAL VERBS: set about start doing something with vigor or determination: it would be far better to admit the problem openly and set about tackling it.set someone against cause someone to be in opposition or conflict with: he hadn't meant any harm, but his few words had set her against him.set something against offset something against: wives' allowances can henceforth be set against investment income.set someone apart give someone an air of unusual superiority: his blunt views set him apart.set something apart separate something and keep it for a special purpose: there were books and rooms set apart as libraries.set something aside1. save or keep something, typically money or time, for a particular purpose: the bank expected to set aside about $700 million for restructuring. ∎  remove land from agricultural production.2. annul a legal decision or process.set someone/something back1. delay or impede the progress of someone or something: this incident undoubtedly set back research.2. inf. (of a purchase) cost someone a particular amount of money: that must have set you back a bit.set something by dated save something for future use.set someone down stop and allow someone to alight from a vehicle.set something down record something in writing. ∎  establish something authoritatively as a rule or principle to be followed: the Association set down codes of practice for all members to comply with.set forth begin a journey or trip.set something forth state or describe something in writing or speech: the principles and aims set forth in the Charter.set forward archaic start on a journey.set in (of something unpleasant or unwelcome) begin and seem likely to continue: less hardy plants should be brought inside before cold weather sets in.set off begin a journey.set someone off cause someone to start doing something, esp. laughing or talking: anything will set him off laughing.set something off1. detonate a bomb. ∎  cause an alarm to go off. ∎  cause a series of things to occur: the fear is that this could set off a chain reaction in other financial markets.2. serve as decorative embellishment to: a pink carnation set off nicely by a red bow tie and cream shirt.set something off againstanother way of saying set something against above.set on (or upon) attack (someone) violently.set someone/something on (or upon) cause or urge a person or animal to attack: I was asked to leave and threatened with having dogs set upon me.set out begin a journey. ∎  aim or intend to do something: she drew up a plan of what her organization should set out to achieve.set something out arrange or display something in a particular order or position. ∎  present information or ideas in a well-ordered way in writing or speech: this chapter sets out the debate surrounding pluralism.set to begin doing something vigorously: she set to with bleach and scouring pads to render the vases spotless.set someone up1. establish someone in a particular capacity or role: his father set him up in business.2. restore or enhance the health of someone: after my operation, the doctor recommended a cruise to set me up again.3. inf. make an innocent person appear guilty of something: suppose Zielinski had set him up for Ingram's murder?set something up1. place or erect something in position: police set up a roadblock on Tenth Street.2. establish a business, institution, or other organization. ∎  make the arrangements necessary for something: he asked if I would like him to set up a meeting with the president.3. begin making a loud sound.set oneself up as establish oneself in (a particular occupation): he set himself up as an attorney in St. Louis. ∎  claim to be or act like a specified kind of person (used to indicate skepticism as to someone's right or ability to do so): he set himself up as a crusader for higher press and broadcasting standards.set² • n. 1. a group or collection of things that belong together, resemble one another, or are usually found together: a set of false teeth a new cell with two sets of chromosomes a spare set of clothes. ∎  a collection of implements, containers, or other objects customarily used together for a specific purpose: an electric fondue set. ∎  a group of people with common interests or occupations or of similar social status: it was a fashionable haunt of the literary set. ∎  (in tennis, darts, and other games) a group of games counting as a unit toward a match, only the player or side that wins a defined number or proportion of the games being awarded a point toward the final score: he took the first set 6-3. ∎  (in jazz or popular music) a sequence of songs or pieces performed together and constituting or forming part of a live show or recording: a short four-song set. ∎  a group of people making up the required number for a square dance or similar country dance. ∎  a fixed number of repetitions of a particular bodybuilding exercise; compare with rep⁵ . ∎  Math. & Logic a collection of distinct entities regarded as a unit, being either individually specified or (more usually) satisfying specified conditions: the set of all positive integers.2. [in sing.] the way in which something is set, disposed, or positioned: the shape and set of the eyes. ∎  the posture or attitude of a part of the body, typically in relation to the impression this gives of a person's feelings or intentions: the determined set of her upper torso. ∎  the flow of a current or tide in a particular direction: the rudder kept the dinghy straight against the set of the tide. ∎  an arrangement of the hair when damp so that it dries in the required style: a shampoo and set. ∎  (also dead set) a setter's pointing in the presence of game. ∎  the alternating outward inclinations of the teeth of a saw. ∎  a warp or bend in wood, metal, or another material caused by continued strain or pressure.3. a radio or television receiver: a TV set.4. a collection of scenery, stage furniture, and other articles used for a particular scene in a play or film. ∎  the place or area in which filming is taking place or a play is performed: the magazine has interviews on set with top directors.5. a cutting, young plant, or bulb used in the propagation of new plants. ∎  a young fruit that has just formed.6. the last coat of plaster on a wall.7. Printing the amount of spacing in type controlling the distance between letters. ∎  the width of a piece of type.8. variant spelling of sett. set³ • adj. 1. fixed or arranged in advance: there is no set procedure. ∎  (of a view or habit) unlikely to change: I've been on my own a long time and I'm rather set in my ways. ∎  (of a person's expression) held for an unnaturally long time without changing, typically as a reflection of determination. ∎  (of a meal or menu in a restaurant) offered at a fixed price with a limited choice of dishes. ∎  having a conventional or predetermined wording; formulaic: witnesses often delivered their testimony according to a set speech. See also set phrase. 2. ready, prepared, or likely to do something: “All set for tonight?” he asked | water costs look set to increase. ∎  (set against) firmly opposed to: an approach set against tradition and authority. ∎  (set on) determined to do (something): he's set on marrying that girl.

Set

Nationality/Culture

Egyptian

Pronunciation

SET

Alternate Names

Seth, Sutekh

Appears In

The Book of the Dead

Lineage

Son of Nut and Geb

Character Overview

In Egyptian mythology Set (or Seth) was the evil brother of the god Osiris (pronounced oh-SYE-ris) and the goddesses Isis (pronounced EYE-sis) and Nephthys (pronounced NEF-this). The son of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut (pronounced NOOT), Set tore himself from his mother's body before he was fully formed, and then used pieces of animals to complete his own body. Among the many animals associated with Set were the pig, donkey, scorpion, antelope, hippopotamus, and crocodile.

Major Myths

Originally a sky and storm god, Set was highly regarded at first, and his cult—or organized body of worshippers—was one of the oldest in Egypt. Each day he rode across the sky in the sun ship of the great god Ra (pronounced RAH); each night as he traveled through the underworld , or land of the dead, he killed the mighty serpent Apophis (pronounced uh-POH-fis) to protect Ra. In time, however, Set became jealous of the other gods, and his treachery against them turned him into one of the chief forces of evil.

Above all, Set envied his brother Osiris, who ruled as king of Egypt while Set served only as lord of the desert. Determined to destroy his brother, Set arranged a great feast to which he invited Osiris and the other gods. He had carpenters construct a large and magnificently decorated box, which he placed at the entrance hall of his palace. When Osiris arrived, Set tricked him into getting inside the box. As soon as Osiris stepped into the box, Set ordered his servants to nail down the lid, seal it with molten lead, and throw it into the Nile River. Osiris drowned.

Their sister Isis, who was also Osiris's wife, searched for her husband and eventually found the box. She brought Osiris back to life long enough to conceive a son, Horus (pronounced HOHR-uhs). Set, however, found Osiris's body and cut it into pieces. Then he scattered the pieces throughout Egypt. Nephthys, Set's wife and sister, helped Isis locate the pieces and bring Osiris back to life. After that, Osiris went to rule the underworld as king of the dead.

Horus later fought Set to avenge his father's death. In a series of great battles, Horus defeated his evil uncle. Horus would have killed Set, but Isis took pity on Set and asked Horus to spare his life. Ancient Egyptians viewed the batde between Horus and Set as the ultimate struggle between good and evil.

As the cult of Osiris grew in Egypt, worship of Set declined. Eventually, Egyptian priests declared Set to be an enemy of the gods. His name and image were removed from many monuments, and he became associated with Apophis, the monstrous serpent that he had once defeated each night to protect Ra.

Set in Context

The conflict between Set and Horus may reflect actual historical conflicts between the two regions of Egypt known as Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The Shabaka Stone, an artifact that contains a recording of an Egyptian document dating back to at least 2000 bce, states that Geb solved the battle between Set and Horus by giving Horus the area of Lower Egypt to rule, and giving Set Upper Egypt to rule. This does mirror the historical division between the two halves of Egypt, and the subsequent takeover of Upper Egypt by Horus may reflect the eventual unification that brought together these two halves. The people of Upper and Lower Egypt often worshipped different gods, so real-life battles for control of the region may explain the stories of two gods fighting for power.

Key Themes and Symbols

The main themes of the myth of Set are envy and the lust for power. Set betrayed and killed his own brother because he was jealous of the region his brother controlled, and wished to take it as his own. Set then battled his nephew in an attempt to gain control of the lands. Earlier myths present Set as a dedicated protector of Ra, but these are not the most well-known or enduring tales associated with the god.

Set in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life

In ancient Egyptian art, Set is often pictured with the head of an unidentified animal that resembles an anteater, or possibly a jackal— both animals that lived in the area. In modern times, Robert E. Howard introduced a god named Set in his Conan the Barbarian series of stories, but Howard's serpent god does not resemble the traditional Egyptian Set. The Marvel Comics series Thor also includes a character named Seth, based more closely on traditional Egyptian mythology.

Read, Write, Think, Discuss

Set plans to murder his brother Osiris so that he can take over the kingdom of Egypt in addition to the desert he already controls. In this way, he resembles leaders such as Adolf Hitler and Alexander the Great, who conquered nearby lands in order to expand their own empires. Do you think conquering foreign lands and cultures to expand the size of an empire is by definition evil? Why or why not?

SEE ALSO Egyptian Mythology; Horus; Isis; Nut; Osiris; Ra; Serpents and Snakes

set
1. A collection of distinct objects of any sort. The objects in the set are called its members or elements. An element can occur at most once in a set and order or arrangement is unimportant. If x is a member of the set S it is customary to write x ∈ S

If x is not a member of S this can be expressed as x ∉ S

and is equivalent to NOT (x ∈ S)

i.e. ∈ and ∉ can be regarded as operators. When any element in set S is also in set T, and vice versa, the two sets are said to be identical or equal.

A finite set has a fixed finite number of members and a notation such as {Ada, Pascal, Cobol, C}

is possible; the members are separated by commas and here are just the names of various programming languages. When the number of elements is not finite, the set is said to be infinite and explicit enumeration of the elements is not then possible.

Infinite and finite sets can be described using a predicate or statement such as p(x) that involves x and is either true or false, thus {x | p(x)}

This is read as “the set of all elements x for which p(x) is true”, the elements being characterized by the common property p. Examples of sets described in this way are (letting R be the set of real numbers): {(x,y) | x ∈ R, y ∈ R and x + y = 9} {n | n is a prime number} {l | l is the name of a language}

There is an implicit assumption here that there is some algorithm for deciding whether p(x) is true or false in any particular case.

The idea of a set is fundamental to mathematics. It forms the basis for all ideas involving functions, relations, and indeed any kind of algebraic structure. Authors differ considerably in the way they define sets. A mathematical logician will distinguish carefully between classes and sets, basically to ensure that paradoxes such as Russell's paradox cannot occur in sets. However, the informal definition is adequate for most purposes.

See also operations on sets.

2. Any data structure representing a set of elements. One example is a characteristic vector.

3. To cause the condition or state of a switch, signal, or storage location to change to the positive condition.

Set

In Egyptian mythology Set (or Seth) was the evil brother of the deities Osiris, Isis, and Nephthys. The son of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut, Set tore himself from his mother's body before he was fully formed. For this reason, he used pieces of animals to complete his body. Among the many animals associated with Set were the pig, donkey, scorpion, antelope, hippopotamus, and crocodile.

deity god or goddess

Originally a sky and storm god, Set was highly regarded at first, and his cult was one of the oldest in Egypt. Each day he rode across the sky in the sun ship of the great god Ra*; each night as he traveled through the underworld, he killed the mighty serpent Aapep to protect Ra. In time, however, Set became jealous of the other gods, and his treachery against them turned him into one of the chief forces of evil.

Above all, Set envied his brother Osiris, who ruled as king of Egypt while Set served only as lord of the desert. Determined to destroy his brother, Set arranged a great feast to which he invited Osiris and the other gods. He had carpenters construct a large and magnificently decorated box, which he placed at the entrance hall of his palace. When Osiris arrived, Set tricked him into getting inside the box. As soon as Osiris stepped into the box, Set ordered his servants to nail down the lid, seal it with molten lead, and throw it into the Nile River. Osiris drowned.

Their sister Isis, who was also Osiris's wife, searched for her husband and eventually found the box. She brought Osiris back to life long enough to conceive a son, Horus. However, Set found Osiris's body and cut it into pieces. Then he scattered the pieces throughout Egypt. Nephthys, Set's wife and sister, helped Isis locate the pieces and resurrect Osiris. After that, Osiris went to rule the underworld as king of the dead.

Horus later fought Set to avenge his father's death. In a series of great battles, Horus defeated his evil uncle. He would have killed him except that Isis took pity on Set and asked Horus to spare his life. Ancient Egyptians viewed the battle between Horus and Set as the ultimate struggle between good and evil.

cult group bound together by devotion to a particular person, belief, or god

underworld land of the dead

resurrect to raise from the dead

As the cult of Osiris grew in Egypt, worship of Set declined. Eventually, Egyptian priests declared Set to be an enemy of the gods. His name and image were removed from many monuments, and he became associated with Aapep (known also as Apopis), the monstrous serpent that he had once defeated each night to protect Ra.

See also Egyptian Mythology; Horus; Isis; Nut; Osiris; Ra (Re); Serpents and Snakes.

set2 set out one's stall display or show off one's abilities, attributes, or experience in order to convince someone of one's suitability for something. From a street trader's setting up a stall to display goods for sale.

See also set a beggar on horseback, set the world on fire, set the pace, set in stone, set a thief to catch a thief.