Gratuitousness

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Gratuitous \Gra*tu"i*tous\a. [L. gratuitus, from gratus
     pleasing. See {Grate}, a., {Gratis.}]
     1. Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred
        without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or
        without claim or merit; not required by justice.
        [1913 Webster]


  
              We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for
              the fruits of our own industry.       --L'Estrange.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Not called for by the circumstances; without reason,
        cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good
        ground; as, a gratuitous assumption.
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              Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation.  --De Quincye.
        -- {Gra*tu"i*tous*ly}, adv. -- {Gra*tu"i*tous*ness}, n.
        [1913 Webster]