| 释义 |
spineless, a.|ˈspaɪnlɪs|
[f. spine n.1]
1. Of animals, plants, etc.: Having no spines or sharp-pointed processes; not spinous.
1827Griffith tr. Cuvier V. 223 Spineless Rats of the Old Continent. 1832Lindley Introd. Bot. 49 In domesticated plants they [spines] often entirely disappear, as in the Apple and Pear, the wild varieties of which are spiny, and the cultivated ones spineless. 1840Penny Cycl. XVIII. 170/2 Scales of Cones [of a pine] spineless at apex. 1890Cent. Dict. s.v. Perch, Spineless perch, a pirate-perch.
2. a. Having a weak or diseased spine; deprived or destitute of the natural strength or support of the spine; exhausted, limp.
1860Dickens Uncomm. Trav. iv, A whole family of Sprites, consisting of a remarkably stout father and three spineless sons. 1876Bothmer Germ. Home Life 237 The sole heir to a vast property was a delicate spineless boy. 1877W. S. Gilbert Foggerty's Fairy (1892) 97 He found Mrs. Pintle reclining in a spineless way on a comfortable sofa.
b. Lacking moral force, resolution, or vigour; marked by weakness or instability of character; feeble, flabby, irresolute.
1885The Voice (N.Y.) 17 Dec. 2 We are sick of this spineless way of treating violators of law. 1891M. M. Dowie Girl in Karp. 209 She had married this spineless person, broken him of his drinking habits. 1892Kipling in Pall Mall G. 24 Mar. 3/1 Clamouring for the aid of a spineless Government.
Hence ˈspinelessly adv., ˈspinelessness.
1920Chambers's Jrnl. 18 Dec. 35/2 His spinelessness and low tastes. 1948A. L. Rowse End of Epoch 186 The spinelessness, the disastrous disunity of the liberal elements in Germany. 1960Middlesex Hospital Jrnl. Jan.–Feb. 12/1 At interviews, the salesman applicant has to steer a course between spinelessness and cockiness. 1977J. Porter Who the Heck is Sylvia? xii. 110 Capitulating as spinelessly as usual, Miss Jones..unfastened her seat belt. 1981Craig & Cadogan Lady Investigates xi. 214 Gregory's vacillation..seems to be an example of the kind of spinelessness that he usually condemns in others. |