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.