[See -NESS.] The quality or state of being joyful; gladness; lively happiness.
c. 1485. Digby Myst. (1882), IV. 1554. In Ioye of this Ioyfullnese, A songe of comforte lete vs expresse.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 261. All the collettes and orysons after this tyme be of ioyfulnesse.
1611. Bible, Ecclus. xxx. 22. The ioyfulnes of a man prolongeth his dayes.
1794. Mrs. Radcliffe, Myst. Udolpho, lvi. With … the joyfulness of pure benevolence.
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, ii. § 19. 49. The record of … trials and heartbreakings—of recoveries and joyfulnesses of success.
