a. Chiefly depreciative. Originally, of a person (esp. a man) or a person's character, attitudes, actions, etc.: weak, self-indulgent, lacking in self-control, over-refined. Now usually: spec. designating personal appearance, mannerisms, speech, bearing, etc., in a man stereotypically regarded as feminine, or as affected, overly flamboyant, or fastidious; (also, of a man) having such mannerisms, speech, etc.In later use often describing mannerisms, etc., stereotypically associated with gay men.Quot. ?a1439 could alternatively be interpreted as showing an earlier use of sense A. 2.

†c. Chiefly depreciative. Of music, sounds, odours, etc.: very alluring or pleasing to the senses, esp. in a way thought to weaken one's self-control or promote self-indulgence or lasciviousness. Obsolete.

a. With the and plural agreement. Effeminate people (esp. men) considered as a class or group. Now rare (later chiefly in historical contexts and likely to be offensive in general use).The passage cited in quot. 1610 is not found at this point in most translations of the Bible.

b. An effeminate person (usually a man). Sometimes (esp. in later use) with the implication of homosexuality. Now chiefly in historical contexts, and likely to be offensive in general use.