a. [ad. L. taciturn-us, f. tacit-us, TACIT.] Characterized by silence or disinclination to conversation; reserved in speech; saying little; uncommunicative.
1771. Smollett, Humph. Cl., 26 June. He [Grieve] was very submissive, respectful, and remarkably taciturn.
1816. Remarks Eng. Mann., 61. The people in Europe who partake most with us in this taciturn propensity, are the Dutch.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., vi. II. 68. Godolphin, cautious and taciturn, did his best to preserve neutrality.
1876. Bristowe, The. & Pract. Med. (1878), 875. The patient becomes apathetic, morose or taciturn, or irritable.
Hence Taciturnist, one who practises habitual silence or reserve; Taciturnly adv., in a taciturn manner; with habitual reserve.
1887. Congregationalist (U.S.), 10 Feb. (Cent. Dict.). His [von Moltke’s] more than eighty years seemed to sit lightly on ‘the great *taciturnist.’
1847. Webster, *Taciturnly, silently, without conversation.
1902. A. Austin, Ld. Kitchener, in Standard, 12 July, 5/2. Honours he needs not, for about his brow He bears them clustered, taciturnly great.
