Definitions for: Vanity


[n] low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
[n] the trait of being vain and conceited
[n] the quality of being valueless or futile; "he rejected the vanities of the world"
[n] feelings of excessive pride



Webster (1913) Definition: Van"i*ty, n.; pl. Vanities. [OE. vanite, vanit['e],
L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain.]
1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to
satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness;
falsity.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of
vanities; all is vanity. --Eccl. i. 2.

Here I may well show the vanity of that which is
reported in the story of Walsingham. --Sir J.
Davies.

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.

The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was
galled. --Macaulay.

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.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. --Eccl. i.
2.

Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the
certainty of things to come. --Sir P.
Sidney.

[Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men.
--Milton.

Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled,
That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding
vanities she still regards. --Pope.

4. One of the established characters in the old moralities
and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5.

You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. --Shak.

Syn: Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness;
self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride.

Synonyms: amour propre, conceit, conceit, dresser, dressing table, emptiness, self-love, toilet table

See Also: boastfulness, egotism, posturing, pride, pride, pridefulness, self-importance, swelled head, table, vainglory, worthlessness

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