The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vain \Vain\, n. Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain. [1913 Webster] For vain. See In vain. [Obs.] --Shak. In vain, to no purpose; without effect; ineffectually. " In vain doth valor bleed." --Milton. " In vain they do worship me." --Matt. xv. 9. To take the name of God in vain, to use the name of God with levity or profaneness. [1913 Webster]