a. Obs. [f. FIRM a. + -LESS.] Unsteady, shifting.
1598. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. II. iv. Columnes, 667.
| And, wexen rich, in Egypt it [Astronomy] erects | |
| A famous School: yet, firm-lesse in affects. | |
| Ibid. (1605), II. III. iii. Lawe, 925. | |
| Past the Red-Sea, here up and down we float | |
| On firm-lesse sands of this vaste Desart here, | |
| Where, to and fro we wander many a year. |
a. 1744. Pope, Verses to Dr. Bolton, 7.
| Has pride a portion in the parted soul? | |
| Does passion still the firmless mind control? |
