[f. next + -NESS.]
1. The quality of being customary or habitual.
1648. Boyle, Seraph. Love, xviii. (1700), 111–2. By the Customariness of their being possessed, they prove less Conspicuous.
1663–4. Marvell, Corr., Wks. 1872–5, II. 132. Out of the customariness of that expression.
1836. Sir H. Taylor, Statesman, vi. 41. The customariness of many metaphorical uses of words makes us unconscious of their metaphor.
1890. Spectator, 4 Jan., 12/1. This customariness of our well-being, though it partly explains optimism, does not explain its increase.
† b. Perfunctoriness or formality arising from habitual performance. Obs.
a. 1640. J. Ball, Power of Godliness (1657), 158. Discontent and hypocrisie, and customariness in good duties.
1646. T. Horton, Sinne’s Discov., 4. Our prayers are so full of coldnesse … and our fastings so full of customariness.
1653. Baxter, Peace Consc., 119. Their … dulness and customariness in duty.
2. A being accustomed or used to a thing. rare.
1864. Hawthorne, Dr. Grimshawe’s Secret, xi. Still dim … but our eyes … have gained an acquaintance, a customariness, with the medium.
