saturnian

2 definitions found

saturnian - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Saturnian \Sa*tur"ni*an\, n. (Zool.)
     Any one of numerous species of large handsome moths belonging
     to Saturnia and allied genera. The luna moth, polyphemus,
     and promethea, are examples. They belong to the Silkworn
     family, and some are raised for their silk. See Polyphemus.
     [1913 Webster]

  Saturnian \Sa*tur"ni*an\, a. [L. Saturnius.]
     1. (Roman Myth.) Of or pertaining to Saturn, whose age or
        reign, from the mildness and wisdom of his government, is
        called the golden age.
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     2. Hence: Resembling the golden age; distinguished for
        peacefulness, happiness, contentment.
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              Augustus, born to bring Saturnian times. --Pope.
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     3. (Astron.) Of or pertaining to the planet Saturn; as, the
        Saturnian year.
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     Saturnian verse (Pros.), a meter employed by early Roman
        satirists, consisting of three iambics and an extra
        syllable followed by three trochees, as in the line: --
        Th[e^] qu[=e]en | w[a^]s [imac]n | th[e^] k[imac]tch |
        [e^]n [=e]at[i^]ng | br[=e]ad [a^]nd | h[=o]n[e^]y.
        [1913 Webster]