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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Vanity \Van"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Vanities}. [OE. vanite, F.
vanit['e], L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See {Vain}.]
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1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to
satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness;
falsity.
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Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of
vanities; all is vanity. --Eccl. i. 2.
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Here I may well show the vanity of that which is
reported in the story of Walsingham. --Sir J.
Davies.
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2. An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride
inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal
attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice
or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit.
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The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was
galled. --Macaulay.
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3. That which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or
unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor
productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle
show; unsubstantial enjoyment.
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Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. --Eccl. i.
2.
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Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the
certainty of things to come. --Sir P.
Sidney.
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[Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men.
--Milton.
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Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled,
That all her vanities at once are dead;
Succeeding vanities she still regards. --Pope.
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4. One of the established characters in the old moralities
and puppet shows. See {Morality}, n., 5.
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You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. --Shak.
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5. same as {dressing table}.
[PJC]

6. A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a
countertop and sometimes drawers.
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Syn: Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness;
self-sufficiency. See {Egotism}, and {Pride}.
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Dressing table \Dressing table\, n.
a table, usually having a vertical back piece containing a
mirror, at which a person may sit while dressing or applying
makeup, and on which articles for the toilet stand. It often
has drawers for toiletries, clothing, or accessories. It is
also called a {vanity} or {vanity table}.
[PJC]