a. [ Compar. Soberer superl. Soberest. ] [ OE. sobre, F. sobre, from L. sobrius, probably from a prefix so- expressing separation + ebrius drunken. Cf. Ebriety. ] 1. Temperate in the use of spirituous liquors; habitually temperate; as, a sober man. [ 1913 Webster ] That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name. Bk. of Com. Prayer. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Not intoxicated or excited by spirituous liquors; as, the sot may at times be sober. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with passion; exercising cool, dispassionate reason; self-controlled; self-possessed. [ 1913 Webster ] There was not a sober person to be had; all was tempestuous and blustering. Druden. [ 1913 Webster ] No sober man would put himself into danger for the applause of escaping without breaking his neck. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Not proceeding from, or attended with, passion; calm; as, sober judgment; a man in his sober senses. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Serious or subdued in demeanor, habit, appearance, or color; solemn; grave; sedate. [ 1913 Webster ] What parts gay France from sober Spain? Prior. [ 1913 Webster ] See her sober over a sampler, or gay over a jointed baby. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] Twilight gray
Had in her sober livery all things clad. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Grave; temperate; abstinent; abstemious; moderate; regular; steady; calm; quiet; cool; collected; dispassionate; unimpassioned; sedate; staid; serious; solemn; somber. See Grave. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
