a. [AIR sb. + -LESS.] strictly, Void of air; Hence b. Not open to the air, stuffy; c. Breezeless, still.

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1601.  Shaks., Jul. Cæs., I. iii. 94. Nor Stonie Tower, nor Walls of beaten brasse, Nor ayrelesse Dungeon.

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1847.  Lewes, Hist. Philos. (1867), I. 232. In airless space her movements would be more rapid.

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1847.  J. Wilson, Chr. North, I. 244. Asleep in the airless sunshine.

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1861.  Dickens, Gt. Expect., I. xi. 176. It had an airless smell that was oppressive.

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1876.  Buckley, Hist. Nat. Sc., xxi. 176. It has to come across a great airless space before it reaches the atmosphere.

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1879.  W. Collins, Rogue’s Life, vii. 95. The night was so quiet and airless.

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1881.  Daily News, 7 Dec., 5/3. The inside of the coach is a mere airless box.

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