\Jo"vi*al\, a. [F., fr. L. Jovialis pertaining to Jove.
The planet Jupiter was thought to make those born under it
joyful or jovial. See {Jove}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the god, or the planet, Jupiter.
   [Obs.]

         Our jovial star reigned at his birth. --Shak.

         The fixed stars astrologically differenced by the
         planets, and esteemed Martial or Jovial according to
         the colors whereby they answer these planets. --Sir
                                               T. Browne.

2. Sunny; serene. [Obs.] ``The heavens always joviall.''
   --Spenser.

3. Gay; merry; joyous; jolly; mirth-inspiring; hilarious;
   characterized by mirth or jollity; as, a jovial youth; a
   jovial company; a jovial poem.

         Be bright and jovial among your guests. --Shak.

         His odes are some of them panegyrical, others moral;
         the rest are jovial or bacchanalian.  --Dryden.

Note: This word is a relic of the belief in planetary
      influence. Other examples are saturnine, mercurial,
      martial, lunatic, etc.

Syn: Merry; joyous; gay; festive; mirthful; gleeful; jolly;
     hilarious.