Au*gust" (?), a. [L. augustus; cf.
augere to increase; in the language of religion, to honor by
offerings: cf. F. auguste. See Augment.] Of a quality
inspiring mingled admiration and reverence; having an aspect of solemn
dignity or grandeur; sublime; majestic; having exalted birth, character,
state, or authority. "Forms august." Pope.
"August in visage." Dryden. "To shed that august
blood." Macaulay.
So beautiful and so august a spectacle.
Burke.
To mingle with a body so august.
Byron.
Syn. -- Grand; magnificent; majestic; solemn; awful; noble;
stately; dignified; imposing.
Au"gust (?), n. [L. Augustus. See
note below, and August, a.] The eighth month
of the year, containing thirty-one days.
☞ The old Roman name was Sextilis, the sixth month
from March, the month in which the primitive Romans, as well as Jews, began
the year. The name was changed to August in honor of Augustus
Cæsar, the first emperor of Rome, on account of his victories, and
his entering on his first consulate in that month.