1. The
third season of the year, or the
season between summer and winter, often called "the fall." Astronomically, it begins in the
northern moderate
zone at the
autumnal equinox, about September 23, and ends at the
winter solstice, about December 23;
but in public language, autumn, in America, comprises September, October, and November.
In England, according to Johnson,
autumn popularly comprises August, September, and October. In the southern hemisphere, the
autumn corresponds to our spring.
2. The
harvest or fruits of autumn.
3. The
time of
maturity or decline; latter portion;
third stage. "Dr. Preston was
now entering
into the
autumn of the duke's favor." (Fuller) "Life's
autumn past, I
stand on winter's verge." (Wordsworth)
Origin: L. Auctumnus, autumnus, perh. Fr. A
root av to satisfy one's self: cf. F. Automne. See Avarice.
Source: Websters Vocabulary