Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Effeminate?

\Ef*fem"i*nate\, 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. Note: Effeminate and womanish are generally used in a reproachful sense; feminine and womanly, applied to women, are epithets of propriety or commendation.
\Ef*fem"i*nate\, 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.
\Ef*fem"i*nate\, v. i. To grow womanish or weak. In a slothful peace both courage will effeminate and manners corrupt. --Pope.