empties definition

1. Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; said of an inclosure, as a box, room, house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles.

2. Free; clear; devoid; often with of. "That fair female troop . . . Empty of all good." "I shall find you empty of that fault." (Shak)

3. Having nothing to carry; unburdened. "An empty messenger." "When ye go ye shall not go empty." (Ex. Iii. 21)

4. Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; said of language; as, empty words, or threats. "Words are but empty thanks." (Cibber)

5. Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; said of pleasure, the world, etc. "Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise." (Pope)

6. Producing nothing; unfruitful; said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine. "Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind." (Gen. Xli. 27)

7. Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb. "That in civility thou seem'st so empty." (Shak)

8. Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.

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.

Synonyms: See Vacant.

Origin: AS. Emtig, aemtig, aemetig, fr. Aemta, aemetta, quiet, leisure, rest; of uncertain origin; cf. G. Emsig busy.