solemnity

n.; pl. Solemnities [ L. solemnitas, solennitas: cf. F. solennité, solemnité, OF. also sollempnité. ] 1. A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence; religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a funeral, a sacrament. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. ceremony adapted to impress with awe. [ 1913 Webster ]

The forms and solemnities of the last judgment. Atterburry. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave earnestness; formal dignity; gravity. [ 1913 Webster ]

With much glory and great solemnity. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

These promises were often made with great solemnity and confirmed with an oath. J. Edwards. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Solemnity 's a cover for a sot. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid. [ 1913 Webster ]