Au'tumn, n.

(aw'tum), n. [Lat. auctumnus, autumnus, from auctus, p. p. of augere, to increase, to furnish abundantly, prop. the season of abundance; Fr. automne, Pr. auton. 1. The third season of the year, or the season between summer and winter. Astronomically, it begins in the northern temperate zone at the autumnal equinox, about September 23, and ends at the winter solstice, about December 23; but in popular language, autumn, in America, comprises September, October, and November. ☞ In England, according to Johnson, autumn popularly comprises August, September, and October. In the southern hemisphere, the autumn corresponds to our spring. 2. Decline; latter half or portion; third stage. Dr. Preston was now entering into the autumn of the duke's favor. Fuller.