Definition of melancholy

• n. - Depression of spirits; a gloomy state continuing a considerable time; deep dejection; gloominess.
• n. - Great and continued depression of spirits, amounting to mental unsoundness; melancholia.
• n. - Pensive maditation; serious thoughtfulness.
• n. - Ill nature.
• a. - Depressed in spirits; dejected; gloomy dismal.
• a. - Producing great evil and grief; causing dejection; calamitous; afflictive; as, a melancholy event.
• a. - Somewhat deranged in mind; having the jugment impaired.
• a. - Favorable to meditation; somber.