Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Solemn?

\Sol"emn\, a. [OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis, solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used especially of religious solemnities. Cf. {Silly}, {Annual}.] 1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred. His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. --Milton. The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year. --Bp. Stillingfleet. 2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. [Obs.] ``On this solemn day.'' --Chaucer. 3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. [Archaic] His feast so solemn and so rich. --Chaucer. To-night we hold a splemn supper. --Shak. 4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness. Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage With solemn touches troubled thoughts. --Milton. There reigned a solemn silence over all. --Spenser. 5. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. & R.] Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks. --Fuller. 6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face. ``A solemn coxcomb.'' --Swift. 7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form. --Burrill. --Jarman. --Greenleaf. {Solemn League and Covenant}. See {Covenant}, 2. Syn: Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious; reverential; devotional; devout. See {Grave}.