The Collaborative International Dictionary
Vain \Vain\, n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain.
For vain. See In vain. [Obs.]
--Shak.
In vain, to no purpose; without effect; ineffectually. ``
In vain doth valor bleed.''
--Milton. `` In vain they do
worship me.''
--Matt. xv. 9.
To take the name of God in vain, to use the name of God with levity or profaneness.
Usage examples of "for vain".
Brinn and Cail watched as if they were the models for Vain's impassivity.
Experience seems at length to have convinced the ancients, that as soon as their galleys exceeded two, or at the most three ranks of oars, they were suited rather for vain pomp than for real service.
Under the cloak of religion, their pride founded temples, endowed indolent priests, built, for vain skeletons, extravagant tombs, mausoleums and pyramids.