| 1. | having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work: While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed. |
| 2. | having gained nothing: to return from a quest empty-handed. |
| 3. | bringing no gift, donation, etc.: They came to the birthday party empty-handed. |

| emp·ty-hand·ed (ěmp'tē-hān'dĭd) adj.
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