‖n. pl. [ F. neuvaine, fr. LL. novena, fr. L. novem. See Noon. ] (R. C. Ch.) Prayers offered up for nine successive days. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
Every man walketh in a vain show. Ps. xxxix. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]
Let no man deceive you with vain words. Eph. v. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]
Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Bring no more vain oblations. Isa. i. 13. [ 1913 Webster ]
Vain is the force of man
To crush the pillars which the pile sustain. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? James ii. 20 (Rev. Ver.). [ 1913 Webster ]
The minstrels played on every side,
Vain of their art. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Load some vain church with old theatric state. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase
in vain. [ 1913 Webster ]
For vain.
In vain,
To take the name of God in vain,
a. Feeling or indicating vainglory; elated by vanity; boastful. “Arrogant and vainglorious expression.” Sir M. Hale. --
n. [ Vain + glory. ] Excessive vanity excited by one's own performances; empty pride; undue elation of mind; vain show; boastfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]
He had nothing of vainglory. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
The man's undone forever; for if Hector break not his neck i' the combat, he'll break't himself in vainglory. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a vain manner; in vain. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or state of being vain. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ OE. verveine, F. verveine, fr. L. verbena, pl. verbenae sacred boughs of laurel, olive, or myrtle, a class of plants; cf. verbenaca vervain. Cf. Verbena. ] (Bot.) Any plant of the genus
Vervain mallow (Bot.),