a. [f. BRANCH sb. + -LESS.] Without, or destitute of, branches.

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1611.  Cotgr., Tronçonner … to make headlesse, branchlesse.

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1834.  Aird, Nebuchadn., I. ii. 53. Beneath her branchless palm must Judah sit.

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  b.  fig. and transf.

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1606.  Shaks., Ant. & Cl., III. iv. 24. Better I were not yours Then your so branchlesse.

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1848.  W. Bartlett, Egypt to Pal., iii. (1879), 39. About midway of this branchless course it enters Egypt.

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