'Vanities' definitions:
Definition of 'Vanities'
From: GCIDE
- Vanity \Van"i*ty\, n.; pl. Vanities. [OE. vanite, F. vanit['e], L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain.] [1913 Webster]
- 1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity. [1913 Webster]
- Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. --Eccl. i. 2. [1913 Webster]
- Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham. --Sir J. Davies. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
- The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
- Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. --Eccl. i. 2. [1913 Webster]
- Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]
- [Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled, That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding vanities she still regards. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
- 4. One of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5. [1913 Webster]
- You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 5. same as dressing table. [PJC]
- 6. A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers. [PJC]
- Syn: Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness; self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride. [1913 Webster]