[a. F. lassitude, ad. L. lassitūdo, f. lassus weary.] The condition of being weary whether in body or mind; a flagging of the bodily or mental powers; indifference to exertion; weariness; an instance of this.
1533. Elyot, Cast. Helthe (1541), 84 b. Lassitude is a disposition towarde syckenesse, wherin a man feleth a soorenesse, a swellinge or an inflammation.
1581. Mulcaster, Positions, xxxiii. (1887), 119. Though they faint, and feele some little lassitude and wearines.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 730. Lassitude is remedied by bathing or anointing with oil and warm water.
1647. Trapp, Comm. Matt. ix. 37. Such as will labour to lassitude.
1653. H. More, Conject. Cabbal. (1713), 19. Lassitude of Contemplation, and of Affectation of Immateriality … brought upon him remisness and drowsiness to such like exercises.
1711. Shaftesb., Charac. (1737), II. II. i. 115. Ordinary Lassitudes, Uneasinesses, and Defects of Disposition.
1756. Burke, Subl. & B., IV. vi. A long exercise of the mental powers induces a remarkable lassitude of the whole body.
1863. Geo. Eliot, Romola, xvi. The feverish excitement … had given place to a dull, regretful lassitude.
1886. Ruskin, Præterita, I. 307. Periods of renewed enthusiasm after intervals of lassitude.
