 1 definition found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Solemnity \So*lem"ni*ty\, noun; 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.
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.
2. ceremony adapted to impress with awe.
The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.
--Atterburry.
3. Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave
earnestness; formal dignity; gravity.
With much glory and great solemnity. --Chaucer.
The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows
itself in the solemnity of their language.
--Addison.
These promises were often made with great solemnity
and confirmed with an oath. --J. Edwards.
4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness.
Solemnity 's a cover for a sot. --Young.
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.
6. (Law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according
to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a
thing done valid.
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