Autumn \Au"tumn\, n. [L. auctumnus, autumnus, perh. fr. a root
av to satisfy one's self: cf. F. automne. See Avarice.]
1. The third season of the year, or the season between summer
and winter, often called "the fall." Astronomically, it
begins in the northern temperate zone at the autumnal
equinox, about September 23, and ends at the winter
solstice, about December 23; but in popular language,
autumn, in America, comprises September, October, and
November.
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Note: In England, according to Johnson, autumn popularly
comprises August, September, and October. In the
southern hemisphere, the autumn corresponds to our
spring.
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2. The harvest or fruits of autumn. --Milton.
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3. The time of maturity or decline; latter portion; third
stage.
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Dr. Preston was now entering into the autumn of the
duke's favor. --Fuller.
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Life's autumn past, I stand on winter's verge.
--Wordsworth.
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