Ef*fem"i*nate (?), a. [L. effeminatus, p. p. of effeminare to make a woman of; ex out + femina a woman. See Feminine, a.] 1. Having some characteristic of a woman, as delicacy, luxuriousness, etc.; soft or delicate to an unmanly degree; womanish; weak.

The king, by his voluptuous life and mean marriage, became effeminate, and less sensible of honor.

An effeminate and unmanly foppery.

2. Womanlike; womanly; tender; -- in a good sense.

Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse.

&fist; Effeminate and womanish are generally used in a reproachful sense; feminine and womanly, applied to women, are epithets of propriety or commendation.

Ef*fem"i*nate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Effeminated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Effeminating (?).] To make womanish; to make soft and delicate; to weaken.

It will not corrupt or effeminate children's minds.

Ef*fem"i*nate, v. i. To grow womanish or weak.

In a slothful peace both courage will effeminate and manners corrupt.

• Of a man, having behaviour and mannerisms associated with a typical woman rather than a typical man.