[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The state of being besotted; infatuation; intoxication.
1628. Bp. Hall, Old Relig., 11. The World … stood amazed to see its owne slauerie and besottednesse.
1673. Milton, True Relig., Wks. (1851), 419. Hardness, besottedness of heart, and Idolatry.
1852. J. M. Ludlow, Hist. U.S., 240. The besottedness or demoralisation of a portion of the North.
