n. [ F., fr. L. silentium. See Silent. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. The state of being silent; entire absence of sound or noise; absolute stillness. [ 1913 Webster ] I saw and heared; for such a numerous host Fled not in silence through the frighted deep. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Forbearance from, or absence of, speech; taciturnity; muteness. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Secrecy; as, these things were transacted in silence. [ 1913 Webster ] The administration itself keeps a profound silence. D. Webster. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. The cessation of rage, agitation, or tumilt; calmness; quiest; as, the elements were reduced to silence. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Absence of mention; oblivion. [ 1913 Webster ] And what most merits fame, in silence hid. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |