2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Solemnity  \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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  solemnity 
  n  1:  a  trait  of  dignified  seriousness  [syn:  {sedateness},  {staidness}, 
  {solemness}] 
  2:  a  solemn  and  dignified  feeling  [syn:  {gravity}]  [ant:  {levity}] 

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