Mel"an*chol*y (?), n. [OE. melancolie, F. m'elancolie, L. melancholia, fr. Gr. ; , -, black + gall, bile. See Malice, and 1st Gall.]
1. Depression of spirits; a gloomy state continuing a considerable time; deep dejection; gloominess.
Shak.
2. Great and continued depression of spirits, amounting to mental unsoundness; melancholia.
3. Pensive maditation; serious thoughtfulness. [Obs.] "Hail, divinest Melancholy !"
Milton.
4. Ill nature. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.
Mel"an*chol*y, a. 1. Depressed in spirits; dejected; gloomy dismal.
Shak.
2. Producing great evil and grief; causing dejection; calamitous; afflictive; as, a melancholy event.
3. Somewhat deranged in mind; having the jugment impaired. [Obs.]
Bp. Reynolds.
4. Favorable to meditation; somber.
A pretty, melancholy seat, well wooded and watered.
Evelin.
Syn. -- Gloomy; sad; dispirited; low-spirited; downhearted; unhappy; hypochondriac; disconsolate; heavy, doleful; dismal; calamitous; afflictive.
© Webster 1913. | 
