[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being factious; a disposition to make factions, or act in the interest of a faction; seditiousness.
1580. Sidney, Arcadia (1622), 16. A Gentleman indeed most rarely accomplished, excellently learned, but without all vaine-glory: friendly, without factiousnesse; valiant.
1581. J. Merbecke, A Booke of Notes and Common places, 67. Some, which despising their Metropolitane or Archbishop, did with their factiousnesse trouble the Church.
1679. Kid, in G. Hickes, Spirit of Popery (1680), 14. I have been also branded with Factiousness, divisive and seditious Preaching and practices.
a. 1710. Bp. Bull, Serm. Priestly Office, Wks. 1827, I. 166. Not to add to our load, or discourage us, either by your wayward factiousness, or stubborn profaneness, or sacrilegious injustice.
1812. G. Chalmers, Dom. Econ. Gt. Brit., 428. The people of Ireland, consisting of rather more than 4,000,000 of souls, held their onward course, in the progress of their industry, and the enterprize of their traffic, whatever might be the factiousness, or imbecility of statesmen, on either side the Irish Channel.
1884. Manch. Exam., 28 Oct., 5/7. The Opposition at question time displayed more than its usual factiousness.
