a. Obs. [f. SPRIGHT sb.1] Spiritless; devoid of spirit or animation.
1591. Sylvester, Du Bartas, I. vi. 782. Whoso doth not admire His spirit, is sprightless.
1598. Marston, Sco. Villanie, II. vii. 203. Nay, he is sprightlesse, sense or soule hath none.
1635–56. Cowley, Davideis, I. 139. Are ye grown Benum’d with Fear, or Vertues sprightless cold?
1638. Quarles, Hieroglyphics, XIV. iv. Her sprightlesse flame grown great with snuff.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 197, ¶ 2. In pursuit of such cold and sprightless Endeavours to appear in Publick.
