1. The quality of being unequal.
1550. Bale, Image Both Ch., II. xxi. N NN iij b. As for the vnequalnesse of length in ye furlongs & cubits [etc.].
1561. T. Hoby, trans. Castiglione’s Courtyer, IV. (1577), T vij b. Bestowing promotions and honors according to the vnequalnesse of desertes.
1652. French, Yorksh. Spa, xiii. 102. I forbid much variety of meats, because of the unequalness of their concoction.
1698. Atterbury, Serm. (1737), IV. 308. This unequalness in acting … will draw upon a man the suspicion of hypocrisy.
1776. Ann. Reg., 148. Notwithstanding the unequalness of the wind … he only missed the target three times.
1880. Wood’s Guide Steam-Engine Indicator (title-p.), Geometrical Sketch, showing the Cause of Unequalness.
† 2. Lack of equity; unfairness. Obs.
1628. trans. Mathieu’s Powerfull Favorite, 126. The vapours of his way-ward disposition, of his distrust and vnequalnesse.
1695. H. Dodwell, Def. Vind. Deprived Bps., 98. The very unequalness of it [sc. a contract] would be in Equity a strong Presumption.
