Vanity (?), n.; pl. Vanities (#). [OE. vanite, F. vanité, L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain.]
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1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity.
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Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Eccl. i. 2.
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Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham. Sir J. Davies.
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2. An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit.
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The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled. Macaulay.
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3. That which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment.
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Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. Eccl. i. 2.
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Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come. Sir P. Sidney.
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[Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men. Milton.
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Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled,
That all her vanities at once are dead;
Succeeding vanities she still regards. Pope.
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4. One of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5.
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You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. Shak.
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5. same as dressing table.
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6. A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers.
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Syn. -- Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness; self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride.
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