vanity

n.; pl. Vanities [ OE. vanite, F. vanité, L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Eccl. i. 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham. Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit. [ 1913 Webster ]

The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment. [ 1913 Webster ]

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. Eccl. i. 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Sin ] with vanity had filled the works of men. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled,
That all her vanities at once are dead;
Succeeding vanities she still regards. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. One of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. same as dressing table. [ PJC ]

6. A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers. [ PJC ]

Syn. -- Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness; self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride. [ 1913 Webster ]