a. Also 9 -ible. [f. TEMPT v. + -ABLE.] That may be tempted; liable or open to temptation.
1628. Feltham, Resolves, II. [I.] lxvi. 188. There is sometimes a selfe-constancie, that is not temptable.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., I. iv. § 15. 268. Whether or no a Philosopher be temptable by it, or illaqueable into it.
1724. Swift, Drapier’s Lett., iv. ¶ 21. If the parliament of Ireland were as temptable as any other assembly within a mile of Christendom.
1819. Coleridge, in Lit. Rem. (1836), II. 239. Macbeth’s mind, rendered temptible by previous dalliance … with ambitious thoughts.
1883. J. Parker, Apost. Life, II. 319. In all points temptable though invulnerable.
Hence Temptability, Temptableness, accessibility to temptation.
1682. H. More, Annot. Glanvill’s Lux O., 78. What can this freedom of Will consist in so much as in a temptableness by other Objects that are of an inferiour nature!
1825. Coleridge, Aids Refl. (1848), I. 223. A soul surrounded with temptation, and having the worst temptation within itself in its own temptability.
1889. J. Swartz, Eight Objections to the Constitutional Amendment Answered, 43. Why should good men who recognize the terrible prevalence and power of strong drink, the weakness of human nature, the temptableness of the young and inexperienced, object to the removal from our midst of the greatest danger to which they are exposed?
