Also 6 effeminaty. [f. EFFEMINATE a.: see -ACY.]

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  1.  Effeminate quality; Unmanly weakness, softness or delicacy.

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1602.  Warner, Alb. Eng., Epit. (1612), 360. Finding … the Britons alienated from themselues through ease and effeminacie.

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1626.  T. H[awkins], trans. Caussin’s Holy Crt., 13. A spirit soothed with its owne Effeminaty.

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1711.  Steele, Spect., No. 104, ¶ 2. His Features, Complexion, and Habit had a remarkable Effeminacy.

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1763.  J. Brown, Poetry & Mus., § 7. 153. Their coarse Manners melted gradually into false Politeness and Effeminacy.

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a. 1876.  J. H. Newman, Hist. Sk., I. I. iv. 172. A barbarous people, possessed of a beautiful country, may be relaxed in luxury and effeminacy.

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  † 2.  (Cf. EFFEMINATE a. 3.) Obs.

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1642.  Charles I., Declar. Souldiers at Southamp., 21 Oct., 5. Avoid … excessive drinking and effeminacy, (by some esteemed the property of a Souldier).

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1671.  Milton, Samson, 410. But foul effeminacy held me yok’t Her Bond-Slave.

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