a. [ L. taciturnus: cf. F. taciturne. See Tacit. ] Habitually silent; not given to converse; not apt to talk or speak. -- Tac"i*turn*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

Syn. -- Silent; reserved. Taciturn, Silent. Silent has reference to the act; taciturn, to the habit. A man may be silent from circumstances; he is taciturn from disposition. The loquacious man is at times silent; one who is taciturn may now and then make an effort at conversation. [1913 Webster]

n. [ L. taciturnitas: cf. F. taciturnité. ] Habitual silence, or reserve in speaking. [ 1913 Webster ]

The cause of Addison's taciturnity was a natural diffidence in the company of strangers. V. Knox. [ 1913 Webster ]

The taciturnity and the short answers which gave so much offense. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]