from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Musty \Mus"ty\, a. [Compar. {Mustier}; superl. {Mustiest}.]
[From L. mustum must; or perh. fr. E. moist. Cf. {Must}, n.,
{Moist}.]
1. Having the rank, pungent, offensive odor and taste which
substances of organic origin acquire during warm, moist
weather; foul or sour and fetid; moldy; as, musty corn;
musty books. --Harvey.
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2. Spoiled by age; rank; stale.
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The proverb is somewhat musty. --Shak.
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3. Dull; heavy; spiritless. "That he may not grow musty and
unfit for conversation." --Addison.
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