† ˈsprightless, a. Obs.
[f. spright n.1]
Spiritless; devoid of spirit or animation.
| 1591 Sylvester Du Bartas i. vi. 782 Whoso doth not admire His spirit, is sprightless. 1598 Marston Sco. Villanie ii. vii. 203 Nay, he is sprightlesse, sense or soule hath none. 1635–56 Cowley Davideis i. 139 Are ye grown Benum'd with Fear, or Vertues sprightless cold? 1638 Quarles Hieroglyphics xiv. iv, Her sprightlesse flame grown great with snuff. 1710 Steele Tatler No. 197 ¶2 In pursuit of such cold and sprightless Endeavours to appear in Publick. |