Resolved questions
What's the meaning of "a sort of way" here?

Mrs. LaDonna Murphy hugged me tightly when I met her. She was small and frail-looking in a weathered sort of way, but younger than my mother. She smiled broadly when she looked at me, still wrapping her arms around my waist, looking up and showing me teeth slightly browned by smoke. Her hair was a faded blond worn in a bun, and she had on jeans and a blue button-up work shirt.
What's the meaning of "a sort of way" in " She was small and frail-looking in a weathered sort of way, but younger than my mother. "? Does it mean a little or nearly?
Thanks!