n. [ Said to be named from Sedan, in France, where it was first made, and whence it was introduced into England in the time of King Charles I. ] A portable chair or covered vehicle for carrying a single person, -- usually borne on poles by two men. Called also
a. [ L. sedatus, p. p. of sedare, sedatum, to allay, calm, causative of sedere to sit. See Sit. ] Undisturbed by passion or caprice; calm; tranquil; serene; not passionate or giddy; composed; staid;
Disputation carries away the mind from that calm and sedate temper which is so necessary to contemplate truth. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]
Whatsoever we feel and know
Too sedate for outward show. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]
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n. [ L. sedatio. ] The act of calming, or the state of being calm. [ R. ] Coles. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ Cf. F. sédatif. ] Tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize; specifically (Med.), allaying irritability and irritation; assuaging pain. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Med.) A remedy which allays irritability and irritation, and irritative activity or pain. [ 1913 Webster ]