Melancholy \Mel"an*chol*y\, n. [OE. melancolie, F. m['e]lancolie, L. melancholia, fr. Gr. ?; me`las, -anos, black + ? gall, bile. See Malice, and 1st Gall.]

1. Depression of spirits; a gloomy state continuing a considerable time; deep dejection; gloominess. --Shak.

2. Great and continued depression of spirits, amounting to mental unsoundness; melancholia.

3. Pensive maditation; serious thoughtfulness. [Obs.]

``Hail, divinest Melancholy !'' --Milton.

4. Ill nature. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Melancholy \Mel"an*chol*y\, a.

1. Depressed in spirits; dejected; gloomy dismal. --Shak.

2. Producing great evil and grief; causing dejection; calamitous; afflictive; as, a melancholy event.

3. Somewhat deranged in mind; having the jugment impaired. [Obs.]

--Bp. Reynolds.

4. Favorable to meditation; somber.

A pretty, melancholy seat, well wooded and watered. --Evelin.

Syn: Gloomy; sad; dispirited; low-spirited; downhearted; unhappy; hypochondriac; disconsolate; heavy, doleful; dismal; calamitous; afflictive.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)