Obs. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] = EXCELLENCE.

1

1569.  Golding, Heminges Post., 12. Hee commendeth Iohn for the excellentnesse of his Prophecie.

2

1576.  Fleming, Panopl. Epist., 397. Writers of no lesse excellentnesse then ancientnesse.

3

1730–6.  in Bailey (folio).

4

1775.  in Ash.

5