\Au"tumn\, n. [L. auctumnus, autumnus, perh. fr. a root
av to satisfy one's self: cf. F. automne. See {Avarice}.]
1. The third season of the year, or the season between summer
   and winter, often called ``the fall.'' Astronomically, it
   begins in the northern temperate zone at the autumnal
   equinox, about September 23, and ends at the winter
   solstice, about December 23; but in popular language,
   autumn, in America, comprises September, October, and
   November.
Note: In England, according to Johnson, autumn popularly
      comprises August, September, and October. In the
      southern hemisphere, the autumn corresponds to our
      spring.
2. The harvest or fruits of autumn. --Milton.
3. The time of maturity or decline; latter portion; third
   stage.
         Dr. Preston was now entering into the autumn of the
         duke's favor.                         --Fuller.
         Life's autumn past, I stand on winter's verge.
                                               --Wordsworth.