[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being willing; readiness of will; freedom from reluctance; disposition to consent or comply; spec. disposition to do what is required, readiness to be of service.
1561. trans. Calvin’s 4 Godly Serm., ii. D vij b. [This] maye bring vs … to that willingnes, that we shall not refuce to suffer death for Goddes name.
1592. Greene, Conny Catch., III. 11. What dissembled willingnesse of departure hee vsed.
1630. Preston, Breastpl. Faith, 93. God requires no more but a willingnesse to come.
1654. trans. Scudery’s Curia Pol., 96. Though she discovered her willingnesse to my Succession, to make me King of England.
1711. in T. W. Marsh, Early Friends (1886), 9. To signifie … our willingnesse yt a Preparitive Meeting should be setled.
1873. Mozley, Univ. Serm., viii. (1876), 168. The willingness of the Sacrifice.
1877. Froude, Short Stud. (1883), IV. I. ii. 23. The pope … professed a willingness and an anxiety to be of corresponding service to Henry.
