Sŏl’emn, a.
(sōl’em), a. [O. Fr. solempne, N. Fr. solennel, Sp. solemne, It. solenne, Lat. solennis, solennis, from Oscan sollus, all, and Lat. annus, a year, properly that which takes place every year, used especially of religious solemnities.]
Sense 1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by religion; sacred. “His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned.” Milton.
The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed every year. Stillingfleet.
Sense 2. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; serious; grave; devout. “To ’suage with solemn touches troubled thoughts.” Milton.
There reigned a solemn silence over all. Spenser.
Sense 3. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. and rare.]
Frederick, the emperor, . . . spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks. Fuller.
Sense 4. Affectedly grave or serious. “A solemn coxcomb.” Swift.
Sense 5. (Law.) Made in form; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form. Burrill. Jarman. Greenleaf.
Synonyms—Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious; reverential; devotional; devout. See GRAVE.