[f. STUDIOUS a. + -NESS.] The state or quality of being studious.
1. Diligence in the pursuit of knowledge or learning; close application to study.
1530. Palsgr., 277/2. Studyousnesse, studiosité.
1551. T. Wilson, Logic, Ep. Ded. A v b. That all men … maie be the more prouoked to folowe the examples of your Majestie aswell in studiousnesse & desier of knowlege, as also in the exercise of all vertue.
1627. Hakewill, Apol., I. iii. § 4. 33. Men are … addicted … sometimes to studiousnesse & learning, sometimes to ease and ignorance.
1718. Hickes & Nelson, J. Kettlewell, III. lii. 319. Those that knew him there have testified for Studiousness.
1755. Johnson, Studiousness, addiction to study.
1796. Mme. D’Arblay, Camilla, I. 232. Though abstracted from outward objects, his studiousness was not of a solemn cast.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xix. The book fell from her hand. Lounging upon an ottoman close beside her was Sir Mulberry Hawk…. ‘What a delightful studiousness!’ said this accomplished gentleman.
a. 1901. W. Bright, Age Fathers, xxix. (1903), II. 56. Ammonius remained in the desert, and was famed for his humility and self-discipline, and also for his studiousness.
2. Careful attention or observance.
1628. Wither, Brit. Rememb., vi. 1173. Their Exercises were … in studiousnesse Of piety, and of the Sciences, which we terme liberall.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett. (1650), II. lix. 87. In the interim I crave a candid interpretation of what is passed, and of my studiousnes in executing your Lordships Injunctions.
1670. Eachard, Cont. Clergy, 39. They do it … out of simple phantastick glory, and a great studiousness of being wonder’d at.
1713. Lond. Gaz., No. 5119/9. Your Studiousness of Your Peoples Goodness.
