Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VA'CANT, a. [Fr.; from L. vacans.]

1. Empty; not filled; void of every substance except air; as, a vacant space between houses; vacant room. – Milton.
2. Empty; exhausted of air; as, a vacant receiver. – Boyle.
3. Free; unincumbered; unengaged with business or care. Philosophy is the interest of those only who are vacant from the affairs of the world. – More.
4. Not filled or occupied with an incumbent or possessor as, a vacant throne; a vacant parish.
5. Being unoccupied with business; as, vacant hours; vacant moments. – Addison.
6. Empty of thought; thoughtless; not occupied with study or reflection; as, a vacant mind.
7. Indicating want of thought. The duke had a pleasant and vacant face. – Wotton.
8. In law, abandoned; having no heir; as, vacant effects or goods.