Sat′ur‐na″li‐a (?), n. pl. [L. See Saturn.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) 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 license, in which the passions or vices have riotous indulgence.