01 n. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity.
pl.
Vanities ((#))
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1.
The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity.“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” — Eccl. i. 2.“Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham.” — Sir J. Davies.
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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.“The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled.” — Macaulay.
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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.“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher.” — Eccl. i. 2.“Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come.” — Sir P. Sidney.“[Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men.” — Milton.“Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled, That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding vanities she still regards.” — Pope.
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5.
same as dressing table. See: dressing table
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6.
A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers.
Syn.
Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness; self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride.