Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Something unnecessary: a superfluity.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • That means we can't bring back metals -- which we need-not in any meaningful quantity.

    Timegod's World Modesitt, L. E. 1992

  • But the over-all guiding goal of this budget is national need-not response to specific group, local or political insistence.

    State of the Union Address (1790-2001) United States. Presidents.

  • But the over-all guiding goal of this budget is national need-not response to specific group, local or political insistence.

    State of the Union Address 1929

  • You shall bring us the little we need-not long now-not long.

    Ben-Hur, a tale of the Christ 1901

  • Though it seems rather (to use an expressive Quaker term) a "need-not" to provide for our being separated in life, when we have so firmly resolved to be old maids, and to live together all our lives in the little whitewashed cottage behind the church.

    Six to Sixteen: A Story for Girls 1872

  • I force him too much, and there's no need-not a bit. '

    Vittoria — Complete George Meredith 1868

  • I fear I force him too much, and there's no need-not a bit. '

    Vittoria — Volume 2 George Meredith 1868

  • I force him too much, and there's no need-not a bit. '

    Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

  • Though it seems rather (to use an expressive Quaker term) a "need-not" to provide for our being separated in life, when we have so firmly resolved to be old maids, and to live together all our lives in the little whitewashed cottage behind the church.

    Six to Sixteen A Story for Girls Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing 1863

  • Nearly forty years later, I can reflect on what a blessing it has been to encounter so many people who chose to help someone in need-not because they had to but because they simply could.

    NPR Topics: News 2011

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