Obs. rare. [Abnormally f. WHILE sb. + -NESS.] Used to render L. vicissitudo in senses (a) = TURN sb. 23 (cf. WHILE sb. 3 a, 5 b); (b) change, variation.
1382. Wyclif, Joel iii. 4. Y shal ȝeelde the whilnesse to ȝou on ȝour hed. Ibid., James i. 17. The fadir of liȝtis, anentis whom is not ouerchaunginge, nether schadewing of whileness, or tyme.
