Part 393

This would silence all further opposition.

Clarendon.

These would have silenced their scruples.

Rogers.

3. To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege of instruction, or the like, especially from the act of preaching; as, to silence a minister of the gospel.

The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was silenced for nonconformity.

B. Trumbull.

4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as, to silence the batteries of an enemy.

Si*le"ne (?), n. [NL., fr. L. Silenus, the attendant of Bacchus.] (Bot.) A genus of caryophyllaceous plants, usually covered with a viscid secretion by which insects are caught; catchfly.

Bon Silène. See Silène, in the Vocabulary.

Si"lent (?), a. [L. silens, - entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Goth. ana- silan.] 1. Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.

How silent is this town!

Shak.

2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.

Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men.

Broome.

This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not silent.

Milton.

3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent. Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh.

4. (Pron.) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in "fable."

5. Having no effect; not operating; inefficient. [R.]

Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead.

Sir W. Raleigh.

Silent partner. See Dormant partner, under Dormant.

Syn. -- Mute; taciturn; dumb; speechless; quiet; still. See Mute, and Taciturn.

Si"lent, n. That which is silent; a time of silence. [R.] "The silent of the night." Shak.

Si*len"ti*a*ry (s*ln"sh**r), n. [L. silentiarius: cf. F. silenciaire. See Silence.] One appointed to keep silence and order in court; also, one sworn not to divulge secrets of state.

Si*len"tious (?), a. [L. silentiosus: cf. F. silencieux.] Habitually silent; taciturn; reticent. [R.]