Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EF-FETE, a. [L. effœtus, effetus; ex and fœtus, embryo.]

1. Barren; not capable of producing young, as an animal, or fruit, as the earth. An animal becomes effete, by losing the power of conception. The earth may be rendered effete by drouth, or by exhaustion of fertility. Ray. Bentley.
2. Worn out with age; as, effete sensuality. South.