Vain (vān), 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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