Sober \Sober\, a. [Compar. Soberer; superl. Soberest.]
[OE.
sobre, F. sobre, from L. sobrius, probably from a prefix so-
expressing separation + ebrius drunken. Cf. Ebriety.]
1. Temperate in the use of spirituous liquors; habitually
temperate; as, a sober man.
That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and
sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name. --Bk. of
Com. Prayer.
2. Not intoxicated or excited by spirituous liquors; as, the
sot may at times be sober.
3. Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with
passion; exercising cool, dispassionate reason;
self-controlled; self-possessed.
There was not a sober person to be had; all was
tempestuous and blustering. --Druden.
No sober man would put himself into danger for the
applause of escaping without breaking his neck.
--Dryden.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |