From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sedate \Se*date"\, a. [L. sedatus, p. p. of sedare, sedatum, to
allay, calm, causative of sedere to sit. See Sit.]
Undisturbed by passion or caprice; calm; tranquil; serene;
not passionate or giddy; composed; staid; as, a sedate soul,
mind, or temper.
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Disputation carries away the mind from that calm and
sedate temper which is so necessary to contemplate
truth. --I. Watts.
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Whatsoever we feel and know
Too sedate for outward show. --Wordsworth.
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Syn: Settled; composed; calm; quiet; tranquil; still; serene;
unruffled; undisturbed; contemplative; sober; serious.
[1913 Webster] -- Se*date"ly, adv. -- Se*date"ness,
n.
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