1 entry 1 source
Effete
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828
Part of speech: adjective (a.)
No longer capable of producing young, as an animal, or fruit, as the earth; hence, worn out with age; exhausted of energy; incapable of efficient action; no longer productive; barren; sterile. Effete results from virile efforts. Mrs. Browning If they find the old governments effete, worn out, . . . they may seek new ones. Burke.