The time at which the sun reaches the winter tropic, i.e., in the northern hemisphere the tropic of Capricorn, in the southern the tropic of Cancer; the middle of the winter half of the year, midway between the autumnal and vernal equinoxes.

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a. 1633.  Austin, Medit. (1635), 42. This night [sc. Christmas] was shortly after the Winter Solstice; when Night growes shorter, and Day longer.

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1658.  Sir T. Browne, Gard. Cyrus, iii. 48. Even the Autumnal buds, which await the return of the Sun, do after the winter solstice multiply their calicular leaves.

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1729.  Fenton, in Waller’s Wks., Observ. p. xvi. At the time of their breeding (which is about the winter-solstice), the sea is calm.

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1843.  Penny Cycl., XXVII. 471/2. Winter begins at the winter solstice.

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