I saw and heared; for such a numerous host Fled not
in silence through the frighted deep. --Milton.
2. Forbearance from, or absence of, speech; taciturnity;
muteness.
3. Secrecy; as, these things were transacted in silence.
The administration itself keeps a profound silence.
--D. Webster.
4. The cessation of rage, agitation, or tumilt; calmness;
quiest; as, the elements were reduced to silence.
5. Absence of mention; oblivion.
And what most merits fame, in silence hid. --Milton.
Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle.
--Shak.
This would silence all further opposition.
--Clarendon.
These would have silenced their scruples. --Rogers.
3. To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege
of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of
preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel.
The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was
silenced for nonconformity. --B. Trumbull.
4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as,
to silence the batteries of an enemy.