Definition & Meaning of "sot"in English

What is the origin of the term "sot" and how is it used?

"Sot" is a historical English term for a person who habitually drinks alcohol to excess or is a chronic drunkard. It comes from Middle English sot, meaning "fool" or "drunkard," and is related to Old English sott, implying dullness or foolishness caused by drinking. The term has been in use since at least the 14th century and was commonly used in literature and everyday speech to describe heavy drinkers. It is derogatory, critical of both behavior and character, and used in informal, moralizing, or humorous contexts, but is not extremely vulgar.