- Emptiest
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Free; clear; devoid; -- often with of. ``That fair female troop . . . empty of all good.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]
I shall find you empty of that fault. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. Having nothing to carry; unburdened. ``An empty messenger.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
When ye go ye shall not go empty. --Ex. iii. 21. [1913 Webster]
4. Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; -- said of language; as, empty words, or threats. [1913 Webster]
Words are but empty thanks. --Cibber. [1913 Webster]
5. Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; -- said of pleasure, the world, etc. [1913 Webster]
Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
6. Producing nothing; unfruitful; -- said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine. [1913 Webster]
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. --Gen. xli. 27. [1913 Webster]
7. Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb. [1913 Webster]
That in civility thou seem'st so empty. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
8. Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams. [1913 Webster]
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}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.