Sōl'em-nīze, v. t.
[imp. & p. p. SOLEMNIZED; p. pr. & vb. n. SOLEMNIZING.] [Fr. solemniser, sollemniser, Sp. solemnizar, It. solemnizzare.]
Sense 1. To perform with solemn or ritual ceremonies and respect, or according to legal forms. “Baptisms to be administered in one place, and marriages solemnized in another.” Hooker.
What commandment the Jews had to celebrate their feast of dedication is never spoken of in the law, yet solemnized even by our Savior himself. Hooker.
Sense 2. To dignify or honor by ceremonies; hence, to celebrate; to make famous.
Their choice nobility and flower Met from all parts to solemnize this feast. Milton.
Sense 3. To make grave, serious, and reverential; as, to solemnize the mind for the duties of the sanctuary. Wilberforce.
☞ In this sense, the word is occasionally used in England, and also in the United States; but our best writers avoid it.