the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The state of being faint; loss of strength, or of consciousness, and self-control.
n. Want of vigor or energy.
n. Feebleness, as of color or light; lack of distinctness.
n. Faint-heartedness; timorousness; dejection.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The state or condition of being faint; defect of strength; feebleness; deficiency of force, brightness, vividness, distinctness, or the like; want of vigor, energy, or heartiness; timorousness; dejection; irresolution.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a feeling of faintness and of being ready to swoon
n. the trait of lacking boldness and courage
n. the property of being without strength
n. barely audible
n. the quality of being dim or lacking contrast
Word Usage
"When she asperged the warm water with cologne, -- it was her secret delight and greatest effort of economy to buy this cologne, -- she always had one little moment of what she called faintness -- that faintness which had veiled her eyes, and chained her hands, and stilled her throbbing bosom, when as a bride she came from the church with him."