[f. as prec. + -NESS.]
1. The quality or condition of being crusty; concr. a crusty formation, incrustation.
1607. Topsell, Serpents (1653), 661. Their … quality is to burn the body … and to bring a hard scale or crustinesse upon any part.
1665. Manley, Grotius’ Low-C. Warres, 269. The upper Crustiness of the Turf was so hardned … that it would endure a few to go over it.
c. 1720. W. Gibson, Farrier’s Dispens., xiv. (1734), 275. They leave such a hardness and crustiness that the part is very apt to … break out into fresh sores.
2. fig. Crabbed curtness of manner or temper.
1727. Bailey, vol. II., Crustiness … pettishness of Temper.
1822. W. Irving, Braceb. Hall (1845), 95. Old Christy forgot his usual crustiness. Ibid. (1839–40), Wolfert’s R. (1855), 147. An old English gentleman, of great probity, some understanding, and very considerable crustiness.
