01 a. Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not re…
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1.
Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not required by justice.“We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry.” — L'Estrange.
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2.
Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; as, a gratuitous assumption.“Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation.” — De Quincye.