from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
December \De*cem"ber\ (d[-e]*s[e^]m"b[~e]r), prop. n. [F.
d['e]cembre, from L. December, fr. decem ten; this being the
tenth month among the early Romans, who began the year in
March. See {Ten}.]
1. The twelfth and last month of the year, containing
thirty-one days. During this month occurs the winter
solstice.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: With reference to the end of the year and to the
winter season; as, the December of his life.
[1913 Webster]