a. [f. TRACE sb.1 + -LESS.] Leaving no trace or track; that cannot be traced; of a surface, that shows no traces or lines.
1651. Davenant, Gondibert, II. I. xxiii. Traceless and Swift, and Changing as the Winde.
1789. Wolcott (P. Pindar), Subjects for Painters, xxxv. On traceless copper sees imperial heads.
1889. F. L. Oswald, in Voice (N. Y.), 31 Oct. The strangest case of traceless disappearance is perhaps that of the Hungarian poet Petoefi.
1892. J. Mather, Poems, 68. To traceless nothingness its course has run.
Hence Tracelessly adv., in a traceless manner; without leaving a trace.
1839. Bailey, Festus, xxix. (1852), 472. May they pass quick and perish tracelessly.
1894. Illingworth, Personality Hum. & Div. (1895), Notes 234. Vanishing tracelessly to give place to its successor.
