saturnine

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Quotations 2 Italian 2.1 Adjective

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

saturn +‎ -ine

[edit] Adjective

saturnine (comparative more saturnine, superlative most saturnine)

1. of or born under Saturn's influence
2. containing lead, or suffering from lead poisoning (saturnia)
3. cold and slow to change and reaction (refers to mood)
4. gloomy, depressed, dull

[edit] Quotations

• 1770, Nicholas Culpeper, The English physician enlarged., page 167

  "But Henbane delights most to grow in Saturnine Places, and whole Cart-Loads of it may be found near the Places where they empty the common Jacks, and scarce a Ditch can be found without it growing by it. Ergo, it is an Herb of Saturn."

• 1793, John Whitehead, The life of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A, page 550

  "But Dr. Johnson would certainly not have expressed himself in this strong language of approbation, had Mr. Wesley been that dark, saturnine creature, represented by Archbishop Herring."

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[edit] Italian

[edit] Adjective

saturnine f.

1. Feminine plural form of saturnino