[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The state or character of being vindictive; revengefulness.
1676. Hale, Contempl., I. 476. If it found any corruptions within, either of Pride, Vain Glory, Insolence, Vindictiveness, or the like.
1679. Prance, Add. Narr., 45. That which makes it more remarkable, is, That this Vindictiveness was exercised towards men of his own Religion.
1740. Richardson, Pamela (1824), I. 381. Here, to recapitulate my faults, is, in the first place, vindictiveness; I will not call it downright revenge.
1800. T. Cogan, Passions, II. i. 195. There is a vindictiveness in fear, which may render it dangerous to its most innocent cause.
1844. H. H. Wilson, Brit. India, III. 180. The shield thrown over their dependants against their tyranny or vindictiveness.
1884. A. R. Pennington, Wiclif, vii. 242–3. He tells us, on one occasion, that vindictiveness had mingled with his righteous indignation, and that he will pray earnestly to God for grace to enable him to conquer this sin which did so easily beset him.
