Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of
vanities; all is vanity. --Eccl. i. 2.
Here I may well show the vanity of that which is
reported in the story of Walsingham. --Sir J.
Davies.
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.
The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was
galled. --Macaulay.
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.
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. --Eccl. i.
2.
Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the
certainty of things to come. --Sir P.
Sidney.
[Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men.
--Milton.
Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled,
That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding
vanities she still regards. --Pope.
4. One of the established characters in the old moralities
and puppet shows. See {Morality}, n., 5.
You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. --Shak.
Syn: Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness;
self-sufficiency. See {Egotism}, and {Pride}.