Emp'ty1, a.
a. [compar. EMPTIER; superl. EMPTIEST.] [A. S. emtig, āmtiȝ, emetig, from emta, āmta, emeta, quiet, leisure, rest. Cf. Celt. amser, time, Lith. amžis, age, amžinas, everlasting.]
- Containing nothing; not holding or having any thing within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled;—said of an inclosure, as a box, room, house, &c.; as, an empty chest; an empty room; an empty purse; an empty pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles.
- Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense;—said of language; as, empty words, or threats; empty civilities. “In civility thou seemest so empty.” Shak.
- Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow;—said of pleasure, the world, &c.; as, empty pleasure. “Pleased with empty praise.” Pope.
- Desolate; waste; deserted;—said of a place; as, an empty city; an empty garden.
- Producing nothing; unfruitful;—said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine; empty ears of grain.
- Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, and the like; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
- Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.
Syn.—See VACANT.