Both Uses of
taciturn
in
Leaves of Grass
- Of sea-captains young or old, and the mates, and of all intrepid sailors, Of the few, very choice, taciturn, whom fate can never surprise nor death dismay.†
Chpt 19 *
- O Tan-Faced Prairie-Boy O tan-faced prairie-boy, Before you came to camp came many a welcome gift, Praises and presents came and nourishing food, till at last among the recruits, You came, taciturn, with nothing to give—we but look'd on each other, When lo! more than all the gifts of the world you gave me.†
Chpt 21
Definition:
-
(taciturn) with a tendency to be reserved and not to talkeditor's notes: Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
Consider using reticent rather than taciturn when the reluctance to talk is brought on by a particular situation rather than being a general disposition.