August

a. [Fr. auguste, Lat. augustus, from augere, to increase; in the language of religion, to honor by offerings.] Creating extraordinary respect, mingled with the veneration inspired by grand and sublime objects; impressing awe; grand; magnificent. “Forms august.” Pope. “August in visage.” Dryden. “By shaping some august decree.” Tennyson.

Synonyms—Grand; magnificent; majestic; solemn; awful.

n. [Lat. Augustus. Cf. the preceding word.] The eighth month of the year, containing thirty-one days.

☞ The old Roman name was Sextilis, the sixth month from March, the month in which the primitive Romans, as well as Jews, began the year. The name was changed to August in honor of the emperor O. Augustus Cæsar, on account of his victories, and his entering on his first consulate in that month.