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.
© Webster 1913.