[f. as prec. + -NESS.]
† 1. The state of being appropriated or devoted to some special purpose; special destination. Obs.
a. 1638. Mede, Wks. (1672), I. ii. 7 (R.). Some state of singularity or appropriatedness, whereby it is advanced above the common condition of things of the same order.
2. Special fitness, suitability or applicability.
1731. in Bailey.
1816. J. Gilchrist, Philos. Etym., 219. The appropriateness to my present purpose of the following quotation.
1871. Earle, Philol. Eng. Tong, § 644. When the musical appropriateness of the word is the chief care.
