a. [f. EFFECT sb. + -LESS.] Without effect, fruitless: also quasi-adv.

1

1588.  Shaks., Tit. A., III. i. 76. Ile chop off my hands … they haue seru’d me to effectlesse vse.

2

1673.  O. Walker, Education, 8. Both Capacity and Instruction are effectles without practise and exercise.

3

1755.  T. H. Croker, Orl. Furioso, XIV. lxxiii. Nor were his fervent prayers effectless said.

4

1815.  W. Taylor, in Robberds, Mem., II. 459. Silence alike improbable and effectless?

5

1851.  Ruskin, Mod. Paint., II. III. I. v. § 5. The sun itself at noonday is effectless upon the feelings.

6