adj., v., & n.
--adj.
1. indistinct, pale, dim; not clearly perceived.
2 (of a person) weak or giddy; inclined to faint.
3 slight, remote, inadequate (a faint chance).
4 feeble, half-hearted (faint praise).
5 timid (a faint heart).
6 (also feint) (of ruled paper) with inconspicuous lines to guide writing.
--v.intr.
1. lose consciousness.
2 become faint.
--n. a sudden loss of consciousness; fainting.
Phrases and idioms:
faint-hearted cowardly, timid. faint-heartedly in a faint-hearted manner. faint-heartedness cowardliness, timidity. not have the faintest colloq. have no idea.
Derivatives:
faintness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF, past part. of faindre FEIGN