Obs. [f. as prec. + -NESS: cf. next.] Gentleness, mildness, courtesy.
c. 1375. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. II. 357. Bonernesse, þat is a vertue of mekenesse, whanne men done as þei ben conseilid.
1382. Wyclif, 1 Cor. iv. 21. Schal I come to ȝou … in spirit of bonernesse, or myldenesse?
