Soleyn

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. An archaic form of solemn, describing something grave, formal or dignified in manner, as in a ceremony or a serious occasion
2. An old spelling of a word meaning serious, dignified or ceremonial, used of a grave manner or a formal observance
3. Used in older English for something grave, weighty and formal, such as a sober tone or a ritual observed with dignity

Etymology: "Soleyn" is a Middle English spelling of "solemn," a form that English writers used before the modern spelling settled. The word comes through Old French "solemne" from Latin "sollemnis," which meant "annual" or "yearly." Its first element is "sollus," meaning "whole" or "entire," and its second is "annus," "year," so the original sense was something like "celebrated every year with full ceremony." That yearly festival sense is the surprise. Latin used "sollemnis" for religious observances that recurred on the calendar, and the idea of formal, carefully performed ritual gradually broadened. Solemnity came to mean seriousness and dignity in general, so a feast day and a funeral both fell under the same adjective. The meaning of "annual" dropped away, leaving only the sense of ceremony and gravity.