Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WEAK, a. [Sax. waac, wace; G. weich, schwach; D. zwak; Dan. veeg, væg; Sw. vek. The primary sense of the root is to yield, fail, give way, recede, or to be soft.]

1. Having little physical strength; feeble. Children are born weak; men are rendered weak by disease.
2. Infirm; not healthy; as, a weak constitution.
3. Not able to bear a great weight; as, a weak bridge; weak timber.
4. Not strong; not compact; easily broken; as, a weak ship; a weak rope.
5. Not able to resist a violent attack; as, a weak fortress.
6. Soft; pliant; not stiff.
7. Low; small; feeble: as, a weak voice.
8. Feeble of mind; wanting spirit; wanting vigor of understanding; as, a weak prince; a weak magistrate. To think every thing disputable, is a proof of a weak mind and captious temper. – Beattie.
9. Not much impregnated with ingredients, or with things that excite action, or with stimulating and nourishing substances; as, weak broth; weak tea; weak toddy; a weak solution; weak decoction.
10. Not politically powerful; as, a weak nation or state.
11. Not having force of authority or energy; as, a weak government.
12. Not having moral force or power to convince; not well supported by truth or reason; as, a weak argument.
13. Not well supported by argument; as, weak reasoning.
14. Unfortified; accessible; impressible; as, the weak side of a person.
15. Not having full conviction or confidence; as, weak in faith.
16. Weak land is land of a light thin soil. – Cyc. [I believe never used in New England.]