n. [ OE. sesoun, F. saison, properly, the sowing time, fr. L. satio a sowing, a planting, fr. serere, satum, to sow, plant; akin to E. sow, v., to scatter, as seed. ] 1. One of the divisions of the year, marked by alterations in the length of day and night, or by distinct conditions of temperature, moisture, etc., caused mainly by the relative position of the earth with respect to the sun. In the north temperate zone, four seasons, namely, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, are generally recognized. Some parts of the world have three seasons, -- the dry, the rainy, and the cold; other parts have but two, -- the dry and the rainy. [ 1913 Webster ]

The several seasons of the year in their beauty. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, a period of time, especially as regards its fitness for anything contemplated or done; a suitable or convenient time; proper conjuncture; as, the season for planting; the season for rest. [ 1913 Webster ]

The season, prime for sweetest scents and airs. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A period of time not very long; a while; a time. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. Acts xiii. 11. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which gives relish; seasoning. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

You lack the season of all natures, sleep. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

In season, in good time, or sufficiently early for the purpose. --
Out of season, beyond or out of the proper time or the usual or appointed time. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Seasoned p. pr. & vb. n. Seasoning. ] 1. To render suitable or appropriate; to prepare; to fit. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is fit and seasoned for his passage. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To fit for any use by time or habit; to habituate; to accustom; to inure; to ripen; to mature; as, to season one to a climate. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Hence, to prepare by drying or hardening, or removal of natural juices; as, to season timber. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To fit for taste; to render palatable; to give zest or relish to; to spice; as, to season food. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Hence, to fit for enjoyment; to render agreeable. [ 1913 Webster ]

You season still with sports your serious hours. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

The proper use of wit is to season conversation. Tillotson. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To qualify by admixture; to moderate; to temper. “When mercy seasons justice.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. To imbue; to tinge or taint. “Who by his tutor being seasoned with the love of the truth.” Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

Season their younger years with prudent and pious principles. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. To copulate with; to impregnate. [ R. ] Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To become mature; to grow fit for use; to become adapted to a climate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To become dry and hard, by the escape of the natural juices, or by being penetrated with other substance; as, timber seasons in the sun. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To give token; to savor. [ Obs. ] Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Occurring in good time, in due season, or in proper time for the purpose; suitable to the season; opportune; timely; as, a seasonable supply of rain. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction. Ecclus. xxxv. 20. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Sea"son*a*ble*ness, n. -- Sea"son*a*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A seasoning. [ Obs. ] South. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Of or pertaining to the seasons. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Occurring or being used in a specific season; as, seasonal items for sale. [ 1913 Webster ]

Seasonal dimorphism (Zool.), the condition of having two distinct varieties which appear at different seasons, as certain species of butterflies in which the spring brood differs from the summer or autumnal brood. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A form of mild depression that occurs in winters, associated with reduction in the amount of sunlight. It is characterized by oversleeping, irritability, and sometimes overeating. It can be treated by light therapy and usually disappears with the arrival of spring. [ PJC ]

n. One who, or that which, seasons, or gives a relish; a seasoning. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act or process by which anything is seasoned. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is added to any species of food, to give it a higher relish, as salt, spices, etc.; a condiment. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Hence, something added to enhance enjoyment or relieve dullness; as, wit is the seasoning of conversation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Political speculations are of so dry and austere a nature, that they will not go down with the public without frequent seasonings. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Seasoning tub (Bakery), a trough in which dough is set to rise. Knight. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Without succession of the seasons. [ 1913 Webster ]