Serene, a.
Etymology: [L. serenus to grow dry, Gr.
1. Bright; clear; unabscured; as, a serene sky. The moon serene in glory mounts the sky. Pope. Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear. Gray.
2. Calm; placid; undisturbed; unruffled; as, a serene aspect; a serene soul. Milton.
Note: In several countries of Europe, Serene is given as a tittle to princes and the members of their families; as, His Serene Highness. Drop serene. (Med.) See Amaurosis. Milton.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Serene, n.
1. Serenity; clearness; calmness. [Poetic.] "The serene of heaven." Southey. To their master is denied To share their sweet serene. Young.
2. Etym: [F. serein evening dew or damp. See Serein.]
Evening air; night chill. [Obs.] "Some serene blast me." B. Jonson.
Serene, v. t.
To make serene. Heaven and earth, as if contending, vie To raise his being, and serene his soul. Thomson.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for serene; he lists it under calm.
Where he writes about it:
We speak of a calm sea, a placid lake, a serene sky, a still night, a quiet day, a quiet home. — from calm
The serene spirit dwells as if in the clear upper air, above all storm and shadow. — from calm
The star of the unconquered will, He rises in my breast, Serene, and resolute, and still, And calm, and self-possessed. — from calm