n. [ OE. melancolie, F. mélancolie, L. melancholia, fr. Gr. &unr_;; me`las, me`lanos, black + &unr_; gall, bile. See Malice, and 1st Gall. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. Depression of spirits; a gloomy state continuing a considerable time; deep dejection; gloominess. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Great and continued depression of spirits, amounting to mental unsoundness; melancholia. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Pensive maditation; serious thoughtfulness. [ Obs. ] “Hail, divinest Melancholy !” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Ill nature. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]