a. [f. WAGE sb. + -LESS.]

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  † 1.  That does not pay a wage or recompense.

2

1615.  [see TAXLESS a.].

3

  2.  That does not earn or receive wages. Also wagesless (rare). Hence Wagelessness.

4

1828.  Lytton, Pelham, xlix. Some intrusive, ragamuffin, wagesless lackey.

5

1843.  Carlyle, Past & Pr., III. xii. (1858), 232. By unwearied, valiant, and were it wageless effort, in my Parliament, and in my Parish, I would aid [etc.].

6

1853.  Surtees, Sponge’s Sp. Tour, lxiii. (1893), 335. In came Peter, one of the wageless footmen, with candles.

7

1889.  Gissing, Nether World, II. 18. Employed on piece-work, they might at any moment find themselves wageless.

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1913.  Spectator, 14 June, 1004/1. It is impossible … to make up the amount … after several weeks of idleness and wagelessness.

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