Solemn \Sol"emn\, a. [OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis, solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used especially of religious solemnities. Cf. Silly, Annual.]

1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred.

His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. --Milton.

The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year. --Bp. Stillingfleet.

2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. [Obs.]

``On this solemn day.'' --Chaucer.

3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. [Archaic]

His feast so solemn and so rich. --Chaucer.

To-night we hold a splemn supper. --Shak.

4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness.

Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage With solemn touches troubled thoughts. --Milton.

There reigned a solemn silence over all. --Spenser.

5. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. & R.]

Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks. --Fuller.

6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face. ``A solemn coxcomb.'' --Swift.

7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form. --Burrill. --Jarman. --Greenleaf.

Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant, 2.

Syn: Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious; reverential; devotional; devout. See Grave.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)