a. [f. L. celebri-s + -OUS; cf. alacrious. (Accounted obs. by Johnson.)]
† 1. Of a place or assembly: Thronged, frequented; hence, of a ceremony, festival, etc.: Attended or observed by throngs; festive. Obs.
1555. Cranmer, in Strype, Eccl. Mem., III. I. xxx. 236. I have defrauded the souls of the dead of this daily and most celebrious sacrifice.
1627. J. Carter, Expos. Serm. on Mount, 54. The most celebrious places of the Citie, as the Synagogues, or streets.
a. 1638. Mede, To Twiss, Wks. IV. lxvi. 841. I see no reason why the Lord’s-day should not be a celebrious Day when the Lord reigneth.
a. 1680. Butler, Rem. (1759), I. 497. A grave and weighty Oration pronounced … before this celebrious and renowned Assembly.
2. Well-known, famous, renowned. arch. or dial.
1608. Bp. J. King, Serm. St. Maries, Oxf., 15. Make his death … renowned and celebrious to the world.
1674. Evelyn, Navig. & Comm., Misc. Writ. 638. The most celebrious expeditions that have been made.
a. 1734. North, Exam., I. ii. ¶ 1. 31. Men, celebrious in public Affairs.
c. 1860. Imp. Gazetteer Scotl., I. 341. The manufacture of wooden snuff boxes … rendered Cumnock not a little celebrious.
Hence † Celebriously adv., in a celebrious or famous manner; with great celebration. † Celebriousness, renown, fame (J.).
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., X. i. § 10. The day for the Coronation … was celebriously kept.
1755. Johnson, Celebriously, -ness, and in later Dicts.
