stingless

English

Etymology

From sting +‎ -less.

Adjective

stingless (not comparable)

1. 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.

Derived terms

• stingless bee
• stingless nettle