[f. WASHY a. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being washy.
1. Diluted condition, wateriness, weakness (of a liquid); fig. feebleness, lack of solidity (of thoughts, etc.).
1631. R. Byfield, Doctr. Sabb., 72. I proceed to examine your solution, as you call it; the phlegmaticall washinesse whereof hath over-spread many pages.
a. 1806. J. Barry, Lect. Art, vi. (1848), 232. In Lely … we sometimes meet with the other extreme of too little solidity, too much flickering and washiness.
1814. Q. Rev., XI. 96. The washiness of the following line is only surpassed by that of the two which succeed it.
2. Chronic looseness of the bowels (in animals).
1844. [see WASHY a. 5].
