Chapter Seraphic to Sermonet of S by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

The name serenata was given by Italian composers in the time of Handel, and by Handel himself, to a cantata of a pastoreal of dramatic character, to a secular ode, etc.; also by Mozart and others to an orchectral composition, in several movements, midway between the suite of an earlier period and the modern symphony. Grove.

Serene
(Se*rene") a. [L. serenus to grow dry, Gr. hot, scorching.]

1. Bright; clear; unabscured; as, a serene sky.

The moon serene in glory mounts the sky.

Pope.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.

Gray.

2. Calm; placid; undisturbed; unruffled; as, a serene aspect; a serene soul. Milton.

In several countries of Europe, Serene is given as a tittle to princes and the members of their families; as, His Serene Highness.

Drop serene. (Med.) See Amaurosis. Milton.

Serene
(Se*rene"), n.

1. Serenity; clearness; calmness. [Poetic.] "The serene of heaven." Southey.

To their master is denied
To share their sweet serene.

Young.

2. [F. serein evening dew or damp. See Serein.] Evening air; night chill. [Obs.] "Some serene blast me." B. Jonson.

Serene
(Se*rene"), v. t. [L. serenare.] To make serene.

Heaven and earth, as if contending, vie
To raise his being, and serene his soul.

Thomson.

Serenely
(Se*rene"ly), adv.

1. In a serene manner; clearly.

Now setting Phœbus shone serenely bright.

Pope.

2. With unruffled temper; coolly; calmly. Prior.

Sereneness
(Se*rene"ness), n. Serenity. Feltham.

Serenitude
(Se*ren"i*tude) n. Serenity. [Obs.]

Serenity
(Se*ren"i*ty) n. [L. serenuas: cf. F. sérénité.]

1. The quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness; quietness; stillness; peace.

A general peace and serenity newly succeeded a general trouble.

Sir W. Temple.

2. Calmness of mind; eveness of temper; undisturbed state; coolness; composure.

I can not see how any men should ever transgress those moral rules with confidence and serenity.

Locke.

Serenity is given as a title to the members of certain princely families in Europe; as, Your Serenity.