Dictionary entry

Quiet

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Qui″et (?), a. [Compar.Quieter (?); superl.Quietest.] [L. quietus, p. p. pf quiescere to rest, keep quiet; akin to quies rest, and prob. to E. while, n. See While, and cf. Coy, a., Quiesce, Quietus, Quit, a., Quite, Requiem.] 1. In a state of rest or calm; without stir, motion, or agitation; still; as, a quiet sea; quiet air.

They... were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him. Judg. xvi. 2.

2. Free from noise or disturbance; hushed; still.

3. Not excited or anxious; calm; peaceful; placid; settled; as, a quiet life; a quiet conscience. “ So quiet and so sweet a style.” Shak.

That son, who on the quiet state of man

Such trouble brought. Milton.

4. Not giving offense; not exciting disorder or trouble; not turbulent; gentle; mild; meek; contented.

The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 1 Pet. iii. 4.

I will sit as quiet as a lamb. Shak.

5. Not showy; not such as to attract attention; undemonstrative; as, a quiet dress; quiet colors; a quiet movement.

Syn. — Still; tranquil; calm; unruffled; smooth; unmolested; undisturbed; placid; peaceful; mild; peaceable; meek; contented.