catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Solstice \Sol"stice\, n.[L. solstitium; sol the sun + sistere to
     cause to stand, akin to stare to stand: cf. F. solstice. See
     Solar, a., Stand, v. i.]
     1. A stopping or standing still of the sun. [Obs.] --Sir T.
        Browne.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Astron.)
        (a) The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest
            from the equator, north or south, namely, the first
            point of the sign Cancer and the first point of the
            sign Capricorn, the former being the summer solstice,
            latter the winter solstice, in northern latitudes; --
            so called because the sun then apparently stands still
            in its northward or southward motion.
        (b) The time of the sun's passing the solstices, or
            solstitial points, namely, about June 21 and December
            21. See Illust. in Appendix.
            [1913 Webster]