[-NESS.] The quality of being straight, in various senses of the adj.
1530. Palsgr., 277/1. Streightnesse rightnesse, droicteur.
1534. Whitinton, Tullyes Offices, I. (1540), 36. This is the offyce of a man of armes:… in all chaunces to kepe streyghtnesse and honesty.
a. 1577. Sir T. Smith, Commw. Eng., I. (1589), 2. Ye right rule whereby the Artificer and the Architect doe iudge the straightnes of euery mans worke.
a. 1732. T. Boston, Crook in Lot (1805), 7. We do not reckon it a crooked thing, which though forcibly bended … presently recovers its former straightness.
1882. Miss Braddon, Mt. Royal, ix. The straightness and purity of the girl’s purpose upheld her.
1915. W. K. Holmes, Ballads of Field & Billet, 49. He likes to boast to youngsters of his age, The straightness of his back, his sight, his health.
