Vain \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.
Every man walketh in a vain show. --Ps. xxxix.
6.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6.
Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
--Shak.
Vain visdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton.
2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose;
fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.
Bring no more vain oblations. --Isa. i. 13.
Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which
the pile sustain. --Dryden.
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.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart
from works is barren? --James ii. 20
(Rev. Ver.).
The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their
art. --Dryden.
4. Showy; ostentatious.
Load some vain church with old theatric state.
--Pope.
Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal;
shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant;
deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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