knifeless en · ADJ
Etymology
From knife + -less.
Meanings
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(not-comparable) Without a knife or knives.
He advocates a “knife-less” method of treatment, consisting essentially of nerves sedatives, such as asafætida, valerian, etc., combined with fluid extract of hydrastis in 10 minim doses before meals.
, Charles E. de M. Sajous, M.D., John V. Shoemaker, LL.D., M.D., J. Madison Taylor, A.B., M.D. Monthly Cyclopædia and Medical Bulletin, Vol. I, F.A. Davis Company, page 93He was completely nonpushed – he didn’t know what to do – but, not daring to come back again knife-less, had at last determined to buy a dozen; and there they were, a dozen of as good “sheer steel” blades and prongs as were ever crossed on a platter.
1833, anonymous author, The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal, Ruchard Bently, page 444: