\So*lem"ni*ty\, n.; pl. {Solemnities}. [L. solemnitas,
solennitas: cf. F. solennit['e], solemnit['e], OF. also
sollempnit['e].]
1. A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence;
   religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a
   funeral, a sacrament.
         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.
2. ceremony adapted to impress with awe.
         The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.
                                               --Atterburry.
3. Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave
   earnestness; formal dignity; gravity.
         With much glory and great solemnity.  --Chaucer.
         The statelines and gravity of the Spaniards shows
         itself in the solemnity of their language.
                                               --Addison.
         These promises were often made with great solemnity
         and confirmed with an oath.           --J. Edwards.
4. Hence, affected gravity or seriousness.
         Solemnity 's a cover for a sot.       --Young.
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.
6. (Law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according
   to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a
   thing done valid.