Tac"i*turn (?), a. [L. taciturnus: cf. F. taciturne. See Tacit.]
Habitually silent; not given to converse; not apt to talk or speak.
--
Tac"i*turn*ly, adv.
Syn. -- Silent; reserved. Taciturn, Silent. Silent has reference to the act; taciturn, to the habit. A man may be silent from circumstances; he is taciturn from disposition. The loquacious man is at times silent; one who is taciturn may now and then make an effort at conversation.
© Webster 1913.