Effeminate, a.
Etymology: [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. Bacon. An effeminate and unmanly foppery. Bp. Hurd.
2. Womanlike; womanly; tender; -- in a good sense. Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse. Shak.
Note: Effeminate and womanish are generally used in a reproachful sense; feminine and womanly, applied to women, are epithets of propriety or commendation.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Effeminate, 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. Locke.
Effeminate, v. i.
To grow womanish or weak. In a slothful peace both courage will effeminate and manners corrupt. Pope.