I. ˈme-lən-ˌkä-lē noun
( plural -chol·ies )
Etymology: Middle English malencolie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melancholia, from Greek, from melan- + cholē bile — more at gall
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : an abnormal state attributed to an excess of black bile and characterized by irascibility or depression
b. : black bile
c. : melancholia
2.
a. : depression of spirits : dejection
b. : a pensive mood
II. adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : suggestive or expressive of melancholy
sang in a melancholy voice
b. : causing or tending to cause sadness or depression of mind or spirit : dismal
a melancholy thought
2.
a. : depressed in spirits : dejected , sad
b. : pensive