[f. L. exemplār-is + -ITY. Cf. Fr. exemplarité.] The quality of being exemplary. Cf. EXEMPLARY a. 3 and 6.
1. The quality of being fit to serve as a model or pattern for imitation; exemplary conduct; exemplariness; also, an instance of such conduct.
1619. N. Brent, trans. Sarpi’s Counc. Trent (1676), 134. His Holiness should send Ten or Twelve Prelates,… men rare, of exemplarity, and learning.
1644. J. Goodwin, Fighting agst. God, 39. Such exemplarities of life and conversation, which are sanctified and appointed by God.
1681. H. More, Expos. Daniel, iv. 127–8. John … having by the exemplarity of his Life … drawn the eyes of all so upon him.
1789. Bentham, Princ. Legisl., xvii. § 13. The properties of exemplarity and frugality seem to pursue the same immediate end though by different courses.
1868. Browning, Ring & Bk., XII. 271. Defunct in faith and exemplarity.
† 2. The quality or fact of acting as an example or pattern. Obs.
a. 1677. Barrow, Wks., 1686, III. 33. Some performances [of our Lord] … were done for exemplarity.
† 3. The quality or fact of acting as an example or warning. Obs.
1648. Cromwell, Lett., 21 Sept. (Carlyle). I hope the exemplarity of justice will testify for us our great detestation of the fact.
1660. Jer. Taylor, Duct. Dubit., IV. iv. § 11. Not upon any direct account of justice, but … for terror and exemplarity.
