Deaf1, a.
(dĕf, or dēf), a. [A-S. deaf, O. Sax. dof, D. doof, Dan. döv, Sw. döf, O. Fries. daf, Icel. daufr, Goth. daubs, Ger. taub.]
Sense 1. Wanting the sense of hearing either wholly or in part; unable to perceive sounds.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf. Shak.
Sense 2. Unwilling to hear or listen; determinedly inattentive; regardless; inaccessible; not to be persuaded as to facts, argument, or exhortation;—followed by to; as, deaf to reason, &c.
Deaf to the rumor of fallacious fame. Pope.
Sense 3. Deprived of the power of hearing; deafened.
Deaf with the noise, I took my hasty flight. Dryden.
Sense 4. Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened. [Rare.]
A deaf murmur through the squadron went. Dryden.
Sense 5. Decayed; tasteless; dead; as, a deaf nut; deaf corn. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
If the season be unkindly and intemperate, they [peppers] will catch a blast; and then the seeds will be deaf, void, light, and naught. Holland.
Deaf and dumb. See DEAF-MUTE.