- Solemnity
- Solemnity So*lem"ni*ty, n.; pl. {Solemnities}. [L. solemnitas,
solennitas: cf. F. solennit['e], solemnit['e], OF. also
sollempnit['e].]
1. A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence;
religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a
funeral, a sacrament.
[1913 Webster]
Great was the cause; our old solemnities From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise, But saved from death, our Argives yearly pay These grateful honors to the god of day. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. ceremony adapted to impress with awe. [1913 Webster]
The forms and solemnities of the last judgment. --Atterburry. [1913 Webster]
3. Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave earnestness; formal dignity; gravity. [1913 Webster]
With much glory and great solemnity. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
These promises were often made with great solemnity and confirmed with an oath. --J. Edwards. [1913 Webster]
4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness. [1913 Webster]
Solemnity 's a cover for a sot. --Young. [1913 Webster]
5. Solemn state or feeling; awe or reverence; also, that which produces such a feeling; as, the solemnity of an audience; the solemnity of Westminster Abbey. [1913 Webster]
6. (Law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
