So-lĕm'ni-ty, n.

n. [Fr. solemnité, solennité, Sp. solemnidad, It. solennità, Lat. solemnitas, solennitas.] 1. A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence; religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a funeral or of a sacrament. 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.

2. A ceremony adapted to impress awe; as, the solemnities of the last day.
3. Gravity; steady seriousness.

The stateliness and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language. Addison. 4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness. Solemnity's a cover for a sot. Young.

5. Awe or reverence inspired by outward circumstances; appearance calculated to inspire with solemn feelings; as, the solemnity of Westminster Abbey.
6. (Law.) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.