[-NESS.] The quality or character of being superstitious.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 233 b. The contemplacyon of suche turneth eyther to supersticyousnes, or else to a fantasticall curiosite.
1548. Cranmer, Catech. () iij b. Superstitiousnes of beades, and confidence in oure owne merites.
1657. J. Watts, Scribe, Pharisee, etc. I. 232. As there is no popishnesse, so, I do not see what superstitiousnesse there can be in it.
1885. Rawlinson, Egypt & Babylon, v. 83. He showed an equal superstitiousness when … he would not allow himself to commence the work of restoration,… until he had first waited for a ‘fortunate month.’
1908. Q. Rev., April, 483. Mr [H. G.] Wells seems to have at least one trait of the barbaric mind—superstitiousness.
