"render bloodless," 1849, from Latin exsanguinatus "bloodless," as if from a past participle of *exsanguinare, from ex- "out" (see ex-) + sanguinem (nominative sanguis) "blood" (see sanguinary). Related: Exsanguinated; exsanguinating; exsanguination. As an adjective, exsanguine "bloodless" is attested from mid-17c. in literal and figurative use.