[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being corrupt; corruption.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., II. iv. (1634), 138. The wickednesse that they have conceived by corruptnesse of nature.
1638. Penkethman, Artach., I iij b. The Beasts and Cattel also through corruptnesse of the grasse wheron they fed, died.
1786. J. Roberts, in Life, 38. But thou mayest see the corruptness of such laws, which put the life of a man upon a level with the life of a beast.
a. 1847. Mrs. Sherwood, Lady of Manor, V. xxix. 81. The corruptness of his motives in marrying my cousin.
