from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Empty \Emp"ty\ (?; 215), a. [Compar. {Emptier}; superl.
{Emptiest}.] [AS. emtig, [ae]mtig, [ae]metig, fr. [ae]mta,
[ae]metta, quiet, leisure, rest; of uncertain origin; cf. G.
emsig busy.]
1. Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within;
void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; --
said of an inclosure, or a container, as a box, room,
house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher;
an empty stomach; empty shackles.
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2. Free; clear; devoid; -- often with of. "That fair female
troop . . . empty of all good." --Milton.
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I shall find you empty of that fault. --Shak.
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3. Having nothing to carry; unburdened. "An empty messenger."
--Shak.
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When ye go ye shall not go empty. --Ex. iii. 21.
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4. Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; -- said of
language; as, empty words, or threats.
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Words are but empty thanks. --Cibber.
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5. Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; -- said
of pleasure, the world, etc.
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Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise.
--Pope.
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6. Producing nothing; unfruitful; -- said of a plant or tree;
as, an empty vine.
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Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. --Gen.
xli. 27.
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7. Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy;
as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
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That in civility thou seem'st so empty. --Shak.
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8. Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial;
as, empty dreams.
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Note: Empty is used as the first element in a compound; as,
empty-handed, having nothing in the hands, destitute;
empty-headed, having few ideas; empty-hearted,
destitute of feeling.
Syn: See {Vacant}.
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