Solemn (?), 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.
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His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. Milton.
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The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year. Bp. Stillingfleet.
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2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. [Obs.] “On this solemn day.” Chaucer.
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3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. [Archaic]
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His feast so solemn and so rich. Chaucer.
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To-night we hold a splemn supper. Shak.
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4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness.
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Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage
With solemn touches troubled thoughts. Milton.
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There reigned a solemn silence over all. Spenser.
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5. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. & R.]
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Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks. Fuller.
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6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face. “A solemn coxcomb.” Swift.
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7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form. Burrill. Jarman. Greenleaf.
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Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant, 2.
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Syn. -- Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious; reverential; devotional; devout. See Grave.
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