Vanity /(?)/

pl. Vanities

1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity.

   Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

   Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham.

2. An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit.

   The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled.

3. That which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment.

   Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher.

   Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come.

   [Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men.

   Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled, That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding vanities she still regards.

4. One of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5.

   You . . . take vanity the puppet's part.

5. same as dressing table.
6. A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers.