Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SAD, a. [In W. sad signifies wise, prudent, sober, permanent. It is probable this word is from the root of set. I have not found the word in the English sense, in any other language.]

1. Sorrowful; affected with grief; cast down with affliction. Th' angelic guards ascended, mute and sad. – Milton. Sad for their loss, but joyful of our life. – Pope.
2. Habitually melancholy; gloomy; not gay or cheerful. See in her cell sad Eloisa spread. – Pope.
3. Downcast; gloomy; having the external appearance of sorrow; as, a sad countenance. – Matth. vi.
4. Serious; grave; not gay, light or volatile. Lady Catherine, a sad and religious woman. – Bacon.
5. Afflictive; calamitous; causing sorrow; as, a sad accident; a sad misfortune.
6. Dark colored. Woad or wade is used by the dyers to lay the foundation of all sad colors. – Mortimer. [This sense is, I believe, entirely obsolete.]
7. Bad; vexatious; as, a sad husband. [Colloquial.] – Addison.
8. Heavy; weighty; ponderous. With that his hand more sad than lump of lead. Spenser. [Obs.]
9. Close; firm; cohesive; opposed to light or friable. Chalky lands are naturally cold and sad. Mortimer. [Obs.] [The two latter senses indicate that the primary sense is set, fixed; W. sadiaw, to make firm.]