effeminacy
(ɛˈfɛmɪnəsɪ)
Also 6 effeminaty.
[f. effeminate a.: see -acy.]
1. Effeminate quality; Unmanly weakness, softness, or delicacy.
| 1602 Warner Alb. Eng. Epit. (1612) 360 Finding..the Britons alienated from themselues through ease and effeminacie. 1626 T. H. Caussin's Holy Crt. 13 A spirit soothed with its owne Effeminaty. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 104 ¶2 His Features, Complexion, and Habit had a remarkable Effeminacy. 1763 J. Brown Poetry & Mus. §7. 153 Their coarse manners melted gradually into false Politeness and Effeminacy. a 1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sk. I. i. iv. 172 A barbarous people, possessed of a beautiful country, may be relaxed in luxury and effeminacy. |
† 2. (Cf. effeminate a. 3.) Obs.
| 1642 Chas. I. Declar. Soldiers at Southamp. 21 Oct. 6 Avoid..excessive drinking and effeminacy (by some esteemed the property of a souldier). 1671 Milton Samson 410 But foul effeminacy held me yok't Her Bond-Slave. |