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Webster 1913 Edition

Effete

Ef-fete′

,
Adj.
[L.
effetus
that has brought forth, exhausted;
ex
+
fetus
that has brought forth. See
Fetus
.]
No longer capable of producing young, as an animal, or fruit, as the earth; hence, worn out with age; exhausted of energy; incapable of efficient action; no longer productive; barren; sterile.
Effete
results from virile efforts.
Mrs. Browning
If they find the old governments
effete
, worn out, . . . they may seek new ones.
Burke.
–
Efˊfi-ca′cious-ly
,
adv.

Webster 1828 Edition

Effete

EFFE'TE

,
Adj.
[L. effoetus, effetus; ex and foetus, embryo.]
1.
Barren; not capable of producing young, as animal, or fruit, as the earth. An animal becomes effete by losing the power of conception. The earth may be rendered effete, by drouth, or by exhaustion of fertility.
2.
Worn out with age; as effete sensuality.

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