Great was the cause; our old solemnities From no
blind zeal or fond tradition rise, But saved from
death, our Argives yearly pay These grateful honors
to the god of day. --Pope.
2. ceremony adapted to impress with awe.
The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.
--Atterburry.
3. Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave
earnestness; formal dignity; gravity.
With much glory and great solemnity. --Chaucer.
The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows
itself in the solemnity of their language.
--Addison.
These promises were often made with great solemnity
and confirmed with an oath. --J. Edwards.
4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness.
Solemnity 's a cover for a sot. --Young.
5. Solemn state or feeling; awe or reverence; also, that
which produces such a feeling; as, the solemnity of an
audience; the solemnity of Westminster Abbey.
6. (Law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according
to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a
thing done valid.