Obs. rare. In 4–5 wrechenesse, 5 -nys, wrachenes. [f. WRETCH a. + -NESS.] Wretchedness; misery; a cause or source of distress.
c. 1330. W. Herebert, in Rel. Ant., II. 227. What! ich vol of wrechenesse, hou shal ich take opon, When ich no god ne bringe to-vore the domes mon?
1382. Wyclif, Job xxx. 12. At the riȝt of the est my wrecchenesses anoon risen.
14[?]. in Walter of Henley’s Husb. (1890), 42. The hard change off fortune … discendithe … to myche vnease or wrechenys.
1483. Act 1 Rich. III., c. 2. Mony worshipfull men … were compelled … to lyff in greate penurie and wrechenesse.
