infirm

v. t. [ L. infirmare : cf. F. infirmer. ] To weaken; to enfeeble. [ Obs. ] Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. infirmus: cf. F. infirme. See In- not, and Firm, a. ] 1. Not firm or sound; weak; feeble; as, an infirm body; an infirm constitution. [ 1913 Webster ]

A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Weak of mind or will; irresolute; vacillating. “An infirm judgment.” Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Infirm of purpose! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Not solid or stable; insecure; precarious. [ 1913 Webster ]

He who fixes on false principles treads or infirm ground. South.

Syn. -- Debilitated; sickly; feeble; decrepit; weak; enfeebled; irresolute; vacillating; imbecile. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A person dwelling in, or having charge of, an infirmary, esp. in a monastic institution. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Infirmaries [ Cf. OE. fermerie, OF. enfermerie, F. infirmerie, LL. infirmaria. See Infirm. ] A hospital, or place where the infirm or sick are lodged and nursed gratuitously, or where out-patients are treated. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. infirmatif. ] Weakening; annulling, or tending to make void. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An infirmary. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Infirmities [ L. infirmitas : cf. F. infirmite. See Infirm, a. ] 1. The state of being infirm; feebleness; an imperfection or weakness; esp., an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state; a disease; a malady; as, infirmity of body or mind. [ 1913 Webster ]

'T is the infirmity of his age. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A personal frailty or failing; foible; eccentricity; a weakness or defect. [ 1913 Webster ]

Will you be cured of your infirmity ? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

A friend should bear his friend's infirmities. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The house has also its infirmities. Evelyn.

Syn. -- Debility; imbecility; weakness; feebleness; failing; foible; defect; disease; malady. See Debility. [ 1913 Webster ]