Also 6 auncientnesse, 6–7 antientness. [f. as prec. + -NESS.]
1. The quality of being ancient or old; antiquity (by which word it is now almost superseded).
1537. ? Tindale, Expos. St. John, 92. He alleged … ye author therof, and hys auncientnesse.
1538. Leland, Itin., IV. 106. I asked a merchant there of the Antientnesse of the Towne.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit., II. 64. In comparison of them, the Antientnesses of all other nations is but novelty.
1621. Ainsworth, Annot. Pentat., Gen. x. 15. Sidon … a city renowned … for ancientnes and fame.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, vii. Chronicles of untold ancientness.
1882. Farrar, Early Chr., I. 204. Another important consideration is the ancientness of this Epistle.
† 2. Ancient estate or condition. Obs. rare.
1602. Fulbecke, 1st Pt. Parall., 22. Certain honours … which be not of the ancientnes of the crowne.
1657. Scott, in Burton, Diary (1828), II. 383. If you resort to the ancientness of Parliaments, you will find it as that gentleman said.
† 3. Seniority, priority. Obs.
1598. Florio, Priorita, prioritie, eldership, ancientnes, senioritie.
1619. Treas. Anc. & Mod. Times, II. 513/2. The rest take their places according to the ancientnesse of their elections.
1628. Coke, On Litt., 94 a. Next to him the Bishop of Winchester, and then all other Bishops of both Prouinces after their ancientnesse.
