Ef*fete" (?), a. [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.

If they find the old governments effete, worn out, . . . they may seek new ones.