
n. [ NL., fr. L. Silenus, the attendant of Bacchus. ] (Bot.) A genus of caryophyllaceous plants, usually covered with a viscid secretion by which insects are caught; catchfly. [ 1913 Webster ]
Bon Silène.
a. [ L. silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Goth. ana-silan. ]
How silent is this town! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men. Broome. [ 1913 Webster ]
This new-created world, whereof in hell
Fame is not silent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]
Silent partner.
n. That which is silent; a time of silence. [ R. ] “The silent of the night.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. silentiarius: cf. F. silenciaire. See Silence. ] One appointed to keep silence and order in court; also, one sworn not to divulge secrets of state. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. silentiosus: cf. F. silencieux. ] Habitually silent; taciturn; reticent. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a silent manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. State of being silent; silence. [ 1913 Webster ]