[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or condition of being thankful.

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  1.  Gratefulness, gratitude.

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1552.  in Vicary’s Anat. (1888), App. xvi. 291. Whiche thyng, with al due thanckefulnesse, thei receiued at his maiesties handes.

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1611.  Bible, Acts xxiv. 3. Wee accept it alwayes … with all thankfulnesse.

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1741.  Richardson, Pamela, II. 158. O how shall I find Words to express my Thankfulness!

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1856.  Froude, Hist. Eng., I. v. 361. Such a resolution would probably have been welcomed with passionate thankfulness.

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  b.  Contextually: Thanks. Obs. rare.

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1647.  May, Hist. Parl., I. ix. 104. The Scottish Commissioners … returned thankfulnesse to the Parliament … for that great sum of 300000l.

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  † 2.  Gratification, satisfaction. Obs. rare.

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1500.  Reg. Privy Seal Scotl., I. 70. The hartlie lufe … he has and beris to the said Jonet, and … the thankfulnes done be hir oft tymes to his gud grace.

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