a. and quasi-adv. [f. EFFORT sb. + -LESS.] Making no effort.

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  1.  Abstaining from effort, passive, tame.

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1801.  Southey, Thalaba, IV. xix. Idly to remain Were yielding effortless.

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1880.  H. James, Madonna of Future, 37. You have lost time in effortless contemplation.

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  2.  Acting without effort; unstrained, easy.

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1831.  Blackw. Mag., XXIX. 683. The effortless sublimity of Homer.

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1861.  [H. S. Cunningham], Wheat & Tares, 37. He delighted in their [children’s] easy, unconscious, effortless, condition.

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  Hence Effortlessly adv., without exertion.

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1865.  Pall Mall Gaz., 31 July, 10/2. Effecting all our object painlessly and effortlessly.

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