empty

a. [ Compar. Emptier superl. Emptiest. ] [ AS. emtig, æmtig, æmetig, fr. æmta, æmetta, quiet, leisure, rest; of uncertain origin; cf. G. emsig busy. ] 1. Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; -- said of an inclosure, or a container, as a box, room, house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Free; clear; devoid; -- often with of. “That fair female troop . . . empty of all good.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

I shall find you empty of that fault. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Having nothing to carry; unburdened. “An empty messenger.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

When ye go ye shall not go empty. Ex. iii. 21. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; -- said of language; as, empty words, or threats. [ 1913 Webster ]

Words are but empty thanks. Cibber. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; -- said of pleasure, the world, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Producing nothing; unfruitful; -- said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine. [ 1913 Webster ]

Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. Gen. xli. 27. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb. [ 1913 Webster ]

That in civility thou seem'st so empty. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Empty is used as the first element in a compound; as, empty-handed, having nothing in the hands, destitute; empty-headed, having few ideas; empty-hearted, destitute of feeling.

Syn. -- See Vacant. [ 1913 Webster ]