Obs. Forms: 1–3 anlícnes(se, -nys(se, 2 onlich-, 3 on(n)lic-, anlich-, 4 anlik-, anlycnes(se. [f. ANLIKE a. + -NESS.]
1. The quality of being like to; likeness, resemblance, similitude.
a. 1000. Cædmon, Gen., 1529 (Bosw.). Mon wæs to Godes anlícnesse ǽrest ʓesceapen.
c. 1200. Pater N., 88, in Lamb. Hom., 59. He makede mon i rihtwisnesse, Onlete on his onlichnesse.
c. 1200. Ormin, 19012. Manness sawle iss lic Wiþþ Godd inn onnlicnesse.
c. 1340. Ayenb., 87. Oure riȝte uader … ssop þe zaule to his anlycnesse.
2. concr. Anything made in the likeness of some object; a likeness, portrait, image. spec. An image of a god, an idol.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gloss., 304. Imago vel agalma, anlícnys.
c. 1175. Cott. Hom., 227. Hi worhtan ham anlicnessen, sum of golde, sum of selfre.
c. 1205. Lay., 21155. An on-licncs [1250 anlichnisse] deore; of drihtenes moder.
c. 1230. Ancr. R., 18. To þe oðer onlicnesses and to ower relikes cneoleð.
