So*bri"e*ty (?), n. [L. sobrietas: cf. F. sobri'et'e. See Sober.]
1.
Habitual soberness or temperance as to the use of spirituous liquors; as, a man of sobriety.
Public sobriety is a relative duty.
Blackstone.
2.
Habitual freedom from enthusiasm, inordinate passion, or overheated imagination; calmness; coolness; gravity; seriousness; as, the sobriety of riper years.
Mirth makes them not mad,
Nor sobriety sad.
Denham.
Syn. -- Soberness; temperance; abstinence; abstemiousness; moderation; regularity; steadness; calmness; coolness; sober-mindeness; sedateness; staidness; gravity; seriousness; solemnity.
© Webster 1913.