Emp″ty (?; 215), a. [Compar.Emptier (?); superl.Emptiest.] [AS. emtig, æmtig, æmetig, fr. æmta, æmetta, quiet, leisure, rest; of uncertain origin; cf. G. emsig busy.] 1. Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; — said of an inclosure, as a box, room, house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles.
2. Free; clear; devoid; — often with of. “That fair female troop... empty of all good.” Milton.
I shall find you empty of that fault. Shak.
3. Having nothing to carry; unburdened. “An empty messenger.” Shak.
When ye go ye shall not go empty. Ex. iii. 21.
4. Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; — said of language; as, empty words, or threats.
Words are but empty thanks. Cibber.
5. Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; — said of pleasure, the world, etc.
Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise. Pope.
6. Producing nothing; unfruitful; — said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine.
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. Gen. xli. 27.
7. Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
That in civility thou seem'st so empty. Shak.
8. Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.
☞ Empty is used as the first element in a compound; as, empty-handed, having nothing in the hands, destitute; empty-headed, having few ideas; empty-hearted, destitute of feeling.
Syn. — See Vacant.