adv. [f. VACANT a. + -LY2.] In a vacant manner; † in freedom from business or work.

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1615.  Sandys, Trav., 288. Great is the difference between leading thy life vacantly and leading it slouthfully.

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1817.  Shelley, Rev. Islam, V. 1915. Its sculptured walls vacantly to the stroke of footfalls answered.

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1839.  Dickens, Nickleby, xv. The back parlour sat with her mouth wide open staring vacantly at the collector, in a stupor of dismay.

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1897.  ‘O. Rhoscomyl,’ White Rose Arno, 322. Striding over to the place he laughed vacantly as he heard the story.

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