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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Solemn


SOLEMN, adjective sol'em. [Latin solennis, form soleo, to be accustomed, to use, that is, to hold on or continue, as we have wont.]

1. Anniversary; observed once a year with religious ceremonies. The worship of this image was advanced and a solemn supplication observed every year. [I doubt the correctness of this definition of Johnson; or whether solemn in out language, ever includes the sense of anniversary. In the passage cited, the sense of anniversary is expressed by every year, and if it is included in solemn also the sentence is tautological. I should say the, that solemn in this passage of Stillingfleet, has the sense given in the second definition below.]

2. Religiously grave; marked with pomp and sanctity; attended with religious rites. His holy rites and solemn feasts profan'd.

3. Religiosly serious; piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God; as solemn prayer; the solemn duties of the sanctuary.

4. Affectiong with seriousness; impressing or adapted to impress seriousness, gravity or reverence; sober; serious. There reign'd a solemn silence over all. To 'swage with solemn touches troubled thoughts.

5. Grave; serious; or affectedly grave; as a solemn face.

6. Sacred; enjoined by religion; or attended with a serious appeal to God; as a solemn oath.

7. Marked with solemaities; as a solemn day.