Au"gust (&?;), n. [L. Augustus. See note below, and August, a.]
The eighth month of the year,
containing thirty-one
days.
&fist; 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.
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.
Hear it pronounced