u/geoffreythetemperate

I work in manufacturing, where route cards follow parts through the various processes. The route card is like a checklist that is signed by the operator to confirm that an operation has been carried out and can proceed to the next.

This sign-off is known as 'sentencing'.

The word is also used where we carry out testing for an operation we are not approved for. That is, we test to get an indicative value for, rather than to characterise, a material.

Assuming the value is acceptable, we might later send the material to an approved body to be 'sentenced'.

Does anyone know the etymology of 'sentence' in this context?