Sad·den v. t. [imp. & p. p. Saddened p. pr. & vb. n. Saddening.] To make sad. Specifically: (a) To render heavy or cohesive. [Obs.]
Marl is binding, and saddening of land is the great prejudice it doth to clay lands. --Mortimer.
(b) To make dull- or sad-colored, as cloth. (c) To make grave or serious; to make melancholy or sorrowful.
Her gloomy presence saddens all the scene. --Pope.