The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sober \Sober\, a. [Compar. Soberer; superl. Soberest.] [OE.
sobre, F. sobre, from L. sobrius, probably from a prefix so-
expressing separation + ebrius drunken. Cf. Ebriety.]
1. Temperate in the use of spirituous liquors; habitually
temperate; as, a sober man.
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That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and
sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name. --Bk. of
Com. Prayer.
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2. Not intoxicated or excited by spirituous liquors; as, the
sot may at times be sober.
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3. Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with
passion; exercising cool, dispassionate reason;
self-controlled; self-possessed.
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There was not a sober person to be had; all was
tempestuous and blustering. --Druden.
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No sober man would put himself into danger for the
applause of escaping without breaking his neck.
--Dryden.
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4. Not proceeding from, or attended with, passion; calm; as,
sober judgment; a man in his sober senses.
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5. Serious or subdued in demeanor, habit, appearance, or
color; solemn; grave; sedate.
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What parts gay France from sober Spain? --Prior.
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See her sober over a sampler, or gay over a jointed
baby. --Pope.
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Twilight gray
Had in her sober livery all things clad. --Milton.
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Syn: Grave; temperate; abstinent; abstemious; moderate;
regular; steady; calm; quiet; cool; collected;
dispassionate; unimpassioned; sedate; staid; serious;
solemn; somber. See Grave.
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