a. Also 4 spedeles, 6 speedeles. [f. SPEED sb. + -LESS.]

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  1.  Profitless, ineffectual, unsuccessful.

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13[?].  S. Erkenwolde, 93, in Horstm., Altengl. Leg. (1881), 268. Þer was spedeles space to spyr vsch one oþer Quat body hit myȝt be þat buried wos þer.

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a. 1542.  Wyatt, Poet. Wks. (1861), 114. A speedless proof I have endured; And now I leave it to them that lust.

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1571.  Golding, Calvin on Ps. xx. 20. David poureth not oute his moninges as vaine and speedlesse.

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1611.  Chapman, Iliad, XVI. 227/441. But no such speedlesse flight Patroclus let his speare performe.

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1821.  Clare, Vill. Minstr., II. 71. Till speedless trials prove the doubted elf As skill’d in noise and sounds as Hodge himself.

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  2.  Of persons: Meeting with no success.

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1586.  Warner, Alb. Eng., I. vi. (1589), 21. For Lycus, speedles in his lust, against her so had frownde.

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1615.  Chapman, Odyss., V. 40. It obeys thy powers; And in their ship returne the speedlesse wowers.

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