[por.ten.tous] adj (15c) 1: of, relating to, or constituting a portent
2: eliciting amazement or wonder: prodigious 3 a: being a grave or serious matter "~ decisions" b: self-consciously solemn or important: pompous c: ponderously excessive "that discipline's overwrought, ~ phrases --R. M. Coles" syn see ominous -- por.ten.tous.ly adv -- por.ten.tous.ness n