Also 4 worschupefulnesse, 5 worschipfulnes, 6 woorship-. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being worshipful, in various senses.
a. 1400. Minor Poems fr. Vernon MS., 501/292. Vppon a day for worschupefulnesse Þe Pope wolde synge a Messe.
1482. Monk of Evesham (Arb.), 82. Y saw al seche [= such] with a special certen worschipfulnes put to ful softe and esy peynys.
1556. J. Heywood, Spider & Fly, xxxix. 16. Honestnes is vertousnes, and woorshipfulnes Due where honestnes, or vertusnes, bearth rout.
1628. Ford, Lover’s Mel., V. i. I owe all Sir-Reuerence to your Right Worshipfulnesse.
1877. Blackie, Wise Men, 137. We may not confront the polished and blazoned worshipfulness of the Ten Hundred, with our blank smocks and uncurried roughness.
1887. Flor. Warden, Scheherazade, III. 168. Distant awe and reverent worshipfulness.
