| 释义 |
giftless, a.|ˈgɪftlɪs|
[f. gift n. + -less.]
1. That has no gift to offer. giftless gifts = gifts that are no gifts (after Gr. ἄδωρα δῶρα).
1390Gower Conf. I. 193 This messanger was yefteles. 1614D. Dyke Myst. Selfe-Deceiving 15 As in the proverbe, there are giftlesse gifts. 1650Trapp Comm. Gen. xv. 6 Abraham gave gifts. So doth God to reprobates; but they are giftless gifts: better be without them. 1870Morris Earthly Par. I. i. 245 Fair lords, be still awhile, And say no ill about this giftless guest.
2. That receives or has received no gift.
c1435Torr. Portugal 415 Yftles schall they not be, That dare I sothely sey. 1751Cambridge Scribleriad iv. 161 But not unhonour'd shall he halt away, Or giftless mourn this unauspicious day. 1870Morris Earthly Par. I. i. 297 O righteous man, we leave this land, Nor leave thee giftless for the welcoming Thou gav'st us erst.
3. Devoid of mental endowments; without talent.
1894Daily News 13 July 6/4 An industrious, and by no means giftless, Welsh scholar. |