[f. BRAWNY + -NESS.]
1. Muscular quality; muscularity.
1684. Charnock, Wks., II. 150. The brawniness of his arm.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, ii. The length and brawniness of his arms.
† 2. Callousness, insensibility. Obs.
a. 1645. J. Dod, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. xiv. 5. A brawniness hath overgrown their consciences.
1656. Trapp, Comm. Eph. iv. 18. Hardness, brawniness, a hoof upon their hearts.
1692. Locke, Educ., § 113. This Brawniness and Insensibility of the Mind, is the best Armour we can have.