— effeminately , adv. — effeminateness , n. — effemination , n.
adj. /i fem"euh nit/ ; v. /i fem"euh nayt'/ , adj., v., effeminated, effeminating .
adj.
1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy.
2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
v.t. , v.i.
3. to make or become effeminate.
[ 1350-1400; ME effeminatus, equiv. to ef- EF- + femin ( a ) woman + -atus -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. See female .