Definitions for: Vacant


[adj] without an occupant or incumbent; "the throne is never vacant"
[adj] void of thought or knowledge; "a vacant mind"



Webster (1913) Definition: Va"cant, a. [F., fr. L. vacans, -antis, p. pr. of
vacare to be empty, to be free or unoccupied, to have
leisure, also vocare; akin to vacuus empty, and probably to
E. void. Cf. Evacuate, Void, a.]
1. Deprived of contents; not filled; empty; as, a vacant
room.

Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form.
--Shak.

Being of those virtues vacant. --Shak.

There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, But has
one vacant chair. --Longfellow.

2. Unengaged with business or care; unemployed; unoccupied;
disengaged; free; as, vacant hours.

Religion is the interest of all; but philosophy of
those . . . at leisure, and vacant from the affairs
of the world. --Dr. H. More.

There was not a minute of the day which he left
vacant. --Bp. Fell.

3. Not filled or occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or
officer; as, a vacant throne; a vacant parish.

Special dignities which vacant lie For thy best use
and wearing. --Shak.

4. Empty of thought; thoughtless; not occupied with study or
reflection; as, a vacant mind.

The duke had a pleasant and vacant face. --Sir H.
Wotton.

When on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood.
--Wordsworth.

5. (Law) Abandoned; having no heir, possessor, claimant, or
occupier; as, a vacant estate. --Bouvier.

Vacant succession (Law), one that is claimed by no person,
or where all the heirs are unknown, or where all the known
heirs to it have renounced it. --Burrill.

Syn: Empty; void; devoid; free; unemployed; disengaged;
unincumbered; uncrowded; idle.

Usage: Vacant, Empty. A thing is empty when there is
nothing in it; as, an empty room, or an empty noddle.
Vacant adds the idea of having been previously filled,
or intended to be filled or occupied; as, a vacant
seat at table; a vacant office; vacant hours. When we
speak of a vacant look or a vacant mind, we imply the
absence of the intelligence naturally to be expected
there.

Synonyms: empty

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