[f. STEELY a. + -NESS.] The quality or condition of being steely.
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. viii. 3. 23. Theis oneeyed Gyants … endeuer with their steelynesse [L. sua duritie] to breake open euen heauen it self.
1675. J. Smith, Chr. Relig. Appeal, I. 70. Their Nurture and Education in the soft and warm bosom of that pacifick Age, had so far temper’d the natural Steeliness of their Mettal, as it turn’d Edge.
1856. Leisure Hour, V. 812/1. Demonstrating the goodness or steeliness of our knife-blades.
1909. Rider Haggard, Yellow God, 49. There was something in her voice, usually so soft and pleasant, as she spoke these words, something of steeliness and defiance that caused Alan to feel at once happy and uncomfortable.
