Now rare. [f. as prec.] The quality or state of being sportful; sportiveness.
1581. Sidney, Apol. Poetrie (Arb.), 65. So as neither the admiration and commiseration, nor the right sportfulnes, is by their mungrell Tragy-comedie obtained.
a. 1631. Donne, Lett., Wks. (1633), 371. When sadnesse dejects me,… I kindle squibs about mee againe, and flie into sportfulnesse and company.
1667. H. More, Div. Dial., II. xiii. (1713), 126. The birth of Monsters; which I look upon but as a piece of Sportfulness in the order of things.
1710. R. Ward, Life H. More, 48. It is hard to represent the Wit, Reason, Zeal, Phancy, Sportfulness, and Seriousness,… there is contain’d in this Writing.
1780. Mirror, No. 100. A sportfulness of external behaviour.
1831. Carlyle, Misc. Ess. (1888), III. 98. Majesty rather than grace, still more than lightness or sportfulness, characterises him.
1898. Christian Herald (N.Y.), 12 Jan., 24/1. That which opened in sportfulness ended in violence.
