I. ˈfēbəl adjective
( usually feebler -b(ə)lə(r) ; feeblest -b(ə)lə̇st)
Etymology: Middle English feble, from Old French flebe, feble, foible, from Latin flebilis lamentable, wretched, from flēre to weep — more at bleat
1.
a. : markedly lacking in normal strength or endurance : weak , debilitated, infirm
a feeble old man
feeble in mind and body
b. : unequal to strain : yielding , fragile
a shaky buttress providing only feeble support
a flower with a feeble stem
c. : indicating weakness or infirmity
taking only feeble steps
gave a feeble moan
2.
a. : deficient in qualities or resources that indicate or give vigor, authority, force, or efficiency : not strong or effective (as in character, mental ability, tone, or color)
a feeble personality
a feeble intelligence
feeble imagery
a feeble attempt at a novel
b. : inadequate , inferior
forced to deal with feeble human nature
could muster only the feeblest of thoughts on the occasion
making feeble excuses
Synonyms: see weak
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English feblen, partly from Middle English feble, adjective, partly from Old French feblir, flebir to make or become feeble, from flebe, feble, foible, adjective
archaic : to make feeble : enfeeble
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English feble, from feble, adjective
1. obsolete : a feeble person
2.
a. archaic : foible 1
b. : foible 2