SUBLIME
Sub*lime”, a. [Compar. Sublimer; superl. Sublimest.] Etym: [L. sublimis; sub under + (perhaps) a word akin to limen lintel, sill, thus meaning, up to the lintel: cf. F. sublime. Cf. Eliminate.]
- Lifted up; high in place; exalted aloft; uplifted; lofty. “Sublime on these a tower of steel is reared.” Dryden.
- Distinguished by lofty or noble traits; eminent; — said of persons. “The sublime Julian leader.” De Quincey.
- Awakening or expressing the emotion of awe, adoration, veneration, heroic resolve, etc.; dignified; grand; solemn; stately; — said of an impressive object in nature, of an action, of a discourse, of a work of art, of a spectacle, etc.; as, sublime scenery; a sublime deed. “Easy in words thy style, in sense sublime. Prior. Know how sublime a thing it is To suffer and be strong.” Longfellow.
- Elevated by joy; elate. [Poetic] “Their hearts were jocund and sublime, Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine.” Milton.
- Lofty of mien; haughty; proud. [Poetic] “Countenance sublime and insolent.” Spenser. “His fair, large front and eye sublime declared Absolute rule.” Milton.
Syn. — Exalted; lofty; noble; majestic. See Grand.