GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Vain , a. [Compar. Vainer ; superl. Vainest.] [F. vain, L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. Vanish, Vanity, Vaunt to boast.]
    1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying. “Thy vain excuse.” 
      Shak.

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      Every man walketh in a vain show.
      Ps. xxxix. 6.

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      Let no man deceive you with vain words.
      Eph. v. 6.

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      Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
      Shak.

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      Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.
      Milton.

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    2. Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.
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      Bring no more vain oblations.
      Isa. i. 13.

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      Vain is the force of man
      To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.
      Dryden.

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    3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated.
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      But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?
      James ii. 20 (Rev. Ver.).

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      The minstrels played on every side,
      Vain of their art.
      Dryden.

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    4. Showy; ostentatious.
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      Load some vain church with old theatric state.
      Pope.

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      Syn. -- Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal; shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant; deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.
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  2.       

    Vain, n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain.
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    For vain. See In vain. [Obs.] Shak. -- In vain, to no purpose; without effect; ineffectually. “ In vain doth valor bleed.” Milton. “ In vain they do worship me.” Matt. xv. 9. -- To take the name of God in vain, to use the name of God with levity or profaneness.
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