This would silence all further opposition.
Clarendon.
These would have silenced their scruples.
Rogers.
3. To restrain from the exercise of any function, privilege of
instruction, or the like, especially from the act of preaching; as, to
silence a minister of the gospel.
The Rev. Thomas Hooker of Chelmsford, in Essex, was silenced for
nonconformity.
B. Trumbull.
4. To cause to cease firing, as by a vigorous cannonade; as, to silence
the batteries of an enemy.
Si*le"ne (?), n. [NL., fr. L. Silenus, the attendant of Bacchus.]
(Bot.) A genus of caryophyllaceous plants, usually covered with a
viscid secretion by which insects are caught; catchfly.
Bon Silène. See Silène, in the Vocabulary.
Si"lent (?), a. [L. silens, - entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent;
akin to Goth. ana- silan.] 1. Free from sound or noise; absolutely
still; perfectly quiet.
How silent is this town!
Shak.
2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not
loquacious; not talkative.
Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men.
Broome.
This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not silent.
Milton.
3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is
silent. Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh.
4. (Pron.) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent
in "fable."