Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Gratuitous

Gratuitous , adjective

[Latin gratuitus, from gratus pleasing. See Grate, a., Gratis.]

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
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