n.
Pronunciation: ' f ā nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English faint, feint, from Anglo-French, from past participle of feindre, faindre to feign, lose heart ― more at FEIGN
Date: 14th century
1 : lacking courage and spirit : COWARDLY < faint of heart>
2 : weak, dizzy, and likely to faint
3 : lacking strength or vigor : performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly < faint praise>
4 : producing a sensation of faintness : OPPRESSIVE <the faint atmosphere of a tropical port>
5 a : hardly perceptible : DIM < faint handwriting> b : VAGUE 2A <haven't the faintest idea>
– faint · ish \ ' f ā n-tish \ adjective
– faint · ish · ness noun
– faint · ly adverb
– faint · ness noun