In expressions alluding to a low throw at dice (see sense 1b): bad luck, misfortune; the worst possible outcome. In early use in to cast ames-ace: to…

Nothingness, worthlessness; badness, sinfulness, wickedness. Cf. naughtiness, n. 1a.

Worthlessness.

The fact or quality of being worthless; lack of value or merit.

The quality or fact of being empty, in various figurative senses.

Groundlessness, worthlessness; triviality; ineptitude, futility.

That which has no value or worth; the condition of being worthless or vapid.

As the type of something worthless or insignificant. Frequently in negative contexts, as not to care a jackstraw, not to matter a jackstraw, etc. Cf…

worthlessness.

Worthlessness.