1607, from L. emasculatus, pp. of emasculare "castrate," from ex- "out, away" + masculus "male" (see masculine). Originally and usually in the fig. sense.
Main Entry: emas·cu·late Pronunciation: i-'mas-ky&-"lAt Function: transitive verb Inflected Forms: -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to deprive (as a law or judicial opinion) of force or effectiveness
Main Entry: emas·cu·late Pronunciation: i-'mas-ky&-"lAt Function: transitive verb Inflected Forms: -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to deprive of virility or procreative power :CASTRATE —emas·cu·la·tion/-"mas-ky&-'lA-sh&n/noun