from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Faint \Faint\ (f[=a]nt), a. [Compar. {Fainter} (-[~e]r); superl.
{Faintest}.] [OE. feint, faint, false, faint, F. feint, p. p.
of feindre to feign, suppose, hesitate. See {Feign}, and cf.
{Feint}.]
1. Lacking strength; weak; languid; inclined to swoon; as,
faint with fatigue, hunger, or thirst.
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2. Wanting in courage, spirit, or energy; timorous; cowardly;
dejected; depressed; as, "Faint heart ne'er won fair
lady." --Old Proverb.
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3. Lacking distinctness; hardly perceptible; striking the
senses feebly; not bright, or loud, or sharp, or forcible;
weak; as, a faint color, or sound.
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4. Performed, done, or acted, in a weak or feeble manner; not
exhibiting vigor, strength, or energy; slight; as, faint
efforts; faint resistance.
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The faint prosecution of the war. --Sir J.
Davies.
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