Search Result for "solemnity": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. a trait of dignified seriousness;
[syn: sedateness, staidness, solemnity, solemness]

2. a solemn and dignified feeling;
[syn: gravity, solemnity]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

solemnity n 1: a trait of dignified seriousness [syn: sedateness, staidness, solemnity, solemness] 2: a solemn and dignified feeling [syn: gravity, solemnity] [ant: levity]