(augustus), in a general sense, something majestic, venerable, or sacred. The appellation was first conferred by the Roman senate upon Octavius, after his being confirmed by them in the sovereign power. It was conceived as expressing something divine, or elevated above the pitch of mankind, being derived from the verb augeo, "I increase," tanquam supra humanam fortiam auctus. See AUGUSTUS.

in Chronology, the eighth month of our year, containing 31 days. August was dedicated to the honour of Augustus Caesar, because, in the same month, he was created consul, thrice triumphed in Rome, subdued Egypt to the Roman empire, and made an end of civil wars, being before called Sextilis, or the sixth month from March.