Forms: 5–7 quietnes(se, 6 quyetnes(se, 7 quiett-, quyettnes, 6– quietness. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] The condition of being quiet or undisturbed; absence of noise, motion or excitement; calmness, tranquillity.
c. 1450. trans. De Imitatione, I. ix. 10. Þou shalt neure finde quietnes but in meke subieccion under a prelate.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 142. It is lesse labour and more quietnes.
a. 1578. Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 185. Althocht the conspiratouris thocht to have this matter … in quyetnes, yet … the king of France gat wit of the samin.
1682. Norris, Hierocles, 71. The knowing man … will learn quietness and sedateness.
1730. Earl of Oxford, in Swift’s Lett. (1768), IV. 25. Enjoying the fruit of his victory, peace and quietness.
1807. Wordsw., White Doe, I. 294. Happy in the shy recess Of Barden’s lowly quietness.
1874. Gladstone, in Contemp. Rev., Oct., 664. A word spoken in quietness … can rarely fail to be in season.
† b. With a (not followed by that). Obs.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. V., 75 b. To set all thynges in a quietnes.
1549. Latimer, 2nd Serm. bef. Edw. VI. (Arb.), 73. That she wold let the great man haue a quietnes in hyr Lande.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., IV. i. 12. I … am arm’d To suffer, with a quietnesse of spirit [etc.].
