n. [ L. sobrietas: cf. F. sobriété. See Sober. ] 1. Habitual soberness or temperance as to the use of spirituous liquors; as, a man of sobriety. [ 1913 Webster ] Public sobriety is a relative duty. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Habitual freedom from enthusiasm, inordinate passion, or overheated imagination; calmness; coolness; gravity; seriousness; as, the sobriety of riper years. [ 1913 Webster ] Mirth makes them not mad, Nor sobriety sad. Denham. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Soberness; temperance; abstinence; abstemiousness; moderation; regularity; steadness; calmness; coolness; sober-mindeness; sedateness; staidness; gravity; seriousness; solemnity. [ 1913 Webster ] |