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