Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GRAVE, a.² [Fr. Sp. and It. grave; Arm. grevus; from L. gravis, heavy, whence L. gravo, and aggravo, to aggravate. Hence grief – which see. Ar. كََرَبَ karaba, to overload, to press, to grieve. Class Rb, No. 30. Properly, pressing, heavy. Hence,]

1. In music, low; depressed; solemn; opposed to sharp, acute, or high; as, a grave tone or sound. Sometimes grave denotes slow.
2. Solemn; sober; serious; opposed to gay, light or jovial; as, a man of a grave deportment; a grave character. Youth on silent wings is flown; / Graver years come rolling on. Prior.
3. Plain; not gay; not showy or tawdry; as, a grave suit of clothes.
4. Being of weight; of a serious character; as, a grave writer.
5. Important; momentous; having a serious and interesting import. Lord Eldon. Kent.