monument (monument)

t. [ The ecclesiastical dignitaries bury themselves and monu ment themselves [in the cathedral], to the exclusion of almost everybody else in these latter times. Hawthorne , English Note-Books, June 17, 1856. 2. To place monuments on; adorn with monuments: as, a region monumented with glorious deeds. monumental (mon-u-men'tal), a . and n. [= F. Sp. monumental , monumental is , of or belonging to a monument, monumentum , a monument: see monument.] I. a. 1. Of, pertaining to, or connected with a monument or monuments: as, a monumental inscription. Some have amused the dull sad years of life With schemes of monumental fame; and sought By pyramids and mausolean pomp. Short-liv'd themselves, t' immortalize their bones. 21. Belonging to a tomb. Cowper , Task, v. 182. IMG:content-0919.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-0920.png:[blocks in formation] 5. Conspicuous and permanent; historically prominent; impre ive. Darius himself is, if we may use the expre ion, a monu mental figure in history. Von Ranke, Univ. Hist. (trans.), p. 114. 6. Conspicuous as a monument; notable; exce ive; amazing: as, monumental impudence. [Colloq.]-Monumental cro . See cro 1, 2. -Monumental theology, the study of ancient monuments, inscriptions, coins, medals, statues, paintings, architecture, etc., in so far as they throw light upon theology. II. n. A monumental record; a memorial. When ras'd Me all a's monument als must Lie with Sicinus's lofty tomb in dust, I shall be read, and travellers that come Transport my verses to their fathers' home. Cotton, tr. of Martial's Epigrams, viii. 3. monumentality (mon"ū-men-tal'i-ti), n. [ monumental + ity .] The state or quality of being monumental; the fact or the degree of serving as a monument.