I. ˈmelənˌkälē, -äli, chiefly Brit -_kəli or -eləŋk- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English malencolie, from Middle French melancolie, from Late Latin melancholia, from Greek, from melan- + cholē, cholos gall, bile + -ia -y — more at gall
1.
a. archaic : a supposed abnormal state held to be due to the presence of an excess of black bile and characterized by sullen irascibility or gloomy mental depression
b. archaic : black bile
c. : melancholia
2. obsolete : a condition of sullen ill-temper : anger , irascibility
3.
a. : depression of spirits : gloomy mood or condition : dejection
b. : a pensive or moody condition : quietly serious thoughtfulness
4. obsolete
a. : a cause of melancholy
b. : an attack of melancholy
Synonyms: see sadness
II. adjective
1. obsolete
a. : affected with or subject to melancholy
b. : of, relating to, or caused by black bile
2. obsolete : ill-natured , sullen , irascible
3.
a. : depressed in spirits : dejected , gloomy , dismal , mournful , sad
b. : seriously thoughtful or meditative : pensive
4.
a. : suggestive or expressive of melancholy or dejection : depressing
melancholy music
b. : producing sadness : causing dejection : lamentable , afflicting
a melancholy event
c. obsolete : favorable to meditation : somber