[f. BLACK a. + -NESS. The quality or state of being black.
c. 1340. Cursor M., 8077 (Fairf.). Foure sarasinis con þai mete … of þaire blaknes hit was selcouþis.
1382. Wyclif, Nahum ii. 10. The face of alle as blacnesse of a pott.
1606. Shaks., Ant. & Cl., I. iv. 13. The Spots of Heauen, More fierie by nights Blacknesse.
1611. Bible, Jude 13. The blacknesse of darkenesse.
1710. H. Bedford, Vind. Ch. Eng., 35–6. The different blackness of the Ink shews to be since added.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 459, ¶ 13. The Blackness and Deformity of Vice.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xv. 167. You steer through the blackness for a lump of greater blackness.
