Gra-tū'i-toŭs, a.

a. [Lat. gratuitus, from gratiis, gratis, q. v.; It. & Sp. gratuito, Fr. gratuit.] 1. Given without an equivalent or recompense; granted without claim or merit; not required by justice. We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry. L'Estrange. 2. Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground. “A gratuitous assumption.” Ray. “Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation.” De Quincey.