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(), a.[L. effeminatus, p. p. of effeminare to make a woman of; ex out + femina a woman. See Feminine, a.] 1. Having some characteristic of a woman, as delicacy, luxuriousness, etc.; soft or delicate to an unmanly degree; womanish; weak. The king, by his voluptuous life and mean marriage, became effeminate, and less sensible of honor. Bacon. An effeminate and unmanly foppery. Bp. Hurd. 2. Womanlike; womanly; tender; -- in a good sense. Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse. Shak. Effeminate and womanish are generally used in a reproachful sense; feminine and womanly, applied to women, are epithets of propriety or commendation. Effem"inate (), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Effeminated (); p. pr. & vb. n.Effeminating ().] To make womanish; to make soft and delicate; to weaken. It will not corrupt or effeminate children's minds. Locke. Effem"inate v. i.To grow womanish or weak. In a slothful peace both courage will effeminate and manners corrupt. Pope. スポンサード リンク
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