Defn: the festival of Saturn, celebrated in December, originally during one day, but afterward during seven days, as a period of unrestrained license and merriment for all classes, extending even to the slaves.
2. Hence: A period or occasion of general licemse, in which the passions or vices have riotous indulgence.
SATURNALIAN
Sat`ur*na"li*an, a.
1. Of or pertaining to the Saturnalia.
2. Of unrestrained and intemperate jollity; riotously merry; dissolute. "Saturnalian amusement." Burke.
SATURNIAN
Sa*tur"ni*an, a. Etym: [L. Saturnius.]
1. (Roman Myth.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to Saturn, whose age or reign, from the mildness and wisdom of his government, is called the golden age.
2. Hence: Resembling the golden age; distinguished for peacefulness, happiness, contentment. Augustus, born to bring Saturnian times. Pope.
3. (Astron.)