Obs. [ad. L. firmitūdō, f. firm-us FIRM a.] The quality or state of being firm, in the various senses of the adj.; firmness, solidity, stability, strength; stability of purpose, resolution.
1541. R. Copland, Galyen’s Terapeutyke, 2 E j. They do vse these names, Dyspathies, Metasyncrises, Imbecyllitees, fyrmytudes [Lat. firmitudines] and sondry other such names.
1579. Twyne, Phisicke agst. Fort., II. cxiv. 308 a. Vnlesse the minde … had put on the same firmitude and constancie agaynst it [the payne].
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 1340. The stability and stedy firmitude of those broad flat faces which it [the cube] hath.
1668. H. More, Divine Dialogues, i. § 4 (1713), 10. So great a firmitude is there in Life against all the subtle attaques of shifting Reason.
1701. W. Nichols, Consol. to Parents, 112. What great Firmitude of Mind they have to oppose against such a cutting Misfortune.
