vanity (n.) c. 1200, "that which is vain, futile, or worthless," from Old French vanite "self-conceit; futility; lack of resolve" (12c.), from Latin vanitatem (nominative vanitas ) "emptiness, aimlessness; falsity," figuratively "vainglory, foolish pride," from vanus "empty, vain, idle" (see vain ).