English

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Etymology

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From knife +‎ -less.

Adjective

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knifeless (not comparable)

  1. Without a knife or knives.
    • 1833, anonymous author, The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal, Ruchard Bently, page 444:
      He was completely nonpushed – he didn’t know what to do – but, not daring to come back again knife-less, had at last determined to buy a dozen; and there they were, a dozen of as good “sheer steel” blades and prongs as were ever crossed on a platter.
    • Year, Charles E. de M. Sajous, M.D., John V. Shoemaker, LL.D., M.D., J. Madison Taylor, A.B., M.D. Monthly Cyclopædia and Medical Bulletin, Vol. I, F.A. Davis Company, page 93:
      He advocates a “knife-less” method of treatment, consisting essentially of nerves sedatives, such as asafætida, valerian, etc., combined with fluid extract of hydrastis in 10 minim doses before meals.