forcelessadj.
/ˈfɔːslɪs/ Without force; devoid of force.
ΚΠ
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 572/2 He waxeth forcelesse and carelesse.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. (1634) iv. xix. 723 (margin) Extreme annointing is a forcelesse and unwarranted ceremonie.
1604 C. Edmondes Observ. Cæsars Comm. II. vii. vi. 58 The practise of the Romaines in taking in any towne, was to leaue them forcelesse.
1747 W. Collins Odes 12 Love, only Love, her forceless Numbers mean.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby i. xxiv. 36 Feeble heart and forceless hand.
1883 A. W. Momerie Personality iv. 106 A mass of forceless atoms.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [adverb] > without force or vigour
slacklyc960
feeblyc1330
remissly?a1425
faintlyc1440
weakly1526
punily1555
forcelessly1611
unvigorously1641
feeble1834
validless1866
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Imbecillement, weakly..forcelessly.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1532- to wipe the floor with
- to wipe the mouth of
- to wipe the slate
- to wipe the slate clean
- to wipe up the floor or ground with
- to wire away
- to wire in
- to wire into
- to wis
- to wis and rede
- to wise off
- to wise up
- to wish
- to wish a good afternoon
- to wish a good day
- to wish a good even
- to wish a good evening
- to wish a good morning
- to wish a good morrow
- to wish a good night
- to wish a person a good afternoon
- to wish a person a good day
- to wish a person a good even
- to wish a person a good evening
- to wish a person a good morning