stingless
English
Etymology
Adjective
stingless (not comparable)
- Having no sting.
- 1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
- Cassius. […] for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
And leave them honeyless.
Antony. Not stingless too.
Brutus. O yes, and soundless too;
For you have stol’n their buzzing, Antony,
And very wisely threat before you sting.