giftlessadj.
/ˈɡɪftlɪs/ 1. That has no gift to offer. giftless gifts = gifts that are no gifts (after Greek ἄδωρα δῶρα).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > [adjective] > not bearing gift(s)
giftless1390
toom-handedc1400
emptyc1405
empty-handed1549
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 193 This messanger was yefteles.
1614 D. Dyke Myst. Selfe-deceiuing ii. 15 As in the prouerbe there are giftlesse gifts.
1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. xv. 6) 194 Abraham gave gifts. So doth God to reprobates, but they are giftless gifts, better be without them.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise I. i. 245 Fair lords, be still awhile, And say no ill about this giftless guest.
2. That receives or has received no gift.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > [adjective] > not received > that receives no gift
giftlessa1500
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 415 Yftles schall they not be, That dare I sothely sey.
1751 R. O. Cambridge Scribleriad iv. 161 But not unhonour'd shall he halt away, Or giftless mourn this unauspicious day.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise 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.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > untalented
partless1603
low-parted1662
untalented1753
talentless1831
giftless1894
crap1936
no-talent1952
1894 Daily News 13 July 6/4 An industrious, and by no means giftless, Welsh scholar.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1899; most recently modified version published online March 2018).
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adj.1390