Forms: 6 equabilite, 6–7 equabilitie, 7 aequability, 6– equability. [ad. L. æquābilit-ās, f. æquābili-s EQUABLE: see -ITY.]
1. The quality of being equable or uniform; evenness of mind, temper or behavior: freedom from fluctuation or variation in condition, rate of movement, degree of intensity, etc.
1531. Elyot, Gov., III. xxi. There is also moderation in tolleration of fortune of euerye sorte, which of Tulli is called equabilite.
1577–87. Holinshed, Chron., I. 21/2. He would not have beene led with such an equabilitie of mind.
1656. Trapp, Comm. Matt. vi. 22. 123. There will be an uniformity, æquability, ubiquity and constancy of holiness running thorow thy whole course.
1692. Ray, Dissol. World, ii. (1732), 87. The Equability of the Earth’s Diurnal Motion.
1692. Bentley, Boyle Lect., v. 160. Where is that æquability of Nine Months warmth to be found?
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 68, ¶ 3. I should join to these other Qualifications a certain Æquability or Evenness of Behaviour.
1713. Addison, Guardian, No. 119. The equability of his numbers … cloyed and satiated the ear for want of variety.
1762. J. Foster, Essay Accent & Quantity, 8. A monotony and æquability in the voice.
a. 1832. Bentham, Princ. Penal Law, Wks. 1843, I. 456. In respect of equability, these punishments [by disgrace] are really more defective than at first sight they might appear.
a. 1834. Coleridge, Shaks. Notes, 39. The security and comparative equability of human life.
1854. Hooker, Himal. Jrnls., I. vii. 169. The humidity, and equability of the climate.
1882. Med. Temp. Jrnl., I. 104. The excessive sensitiveness and want of equability of which so many complain.
† 2. Capability of being regarded as equal, or of being compared on equal terms. Obs.
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osor., 35. May any equabilitie seeme to bee betwixt them? either in the excellencie of the holy Ghost? or in sinceritie of lyfe?
1631. R. Byfield, Doctr. Sabb., 183. You that make the servant to his master but as the Oxe and Asse is … have utterly destroyed this equability.
a. 1652. Brome, Love-sick Court, IV. i. Their merits bear no æquability with mine.
1817. T. Cogan, Ethical Quest., v. 150 (R.). Bodies seem to act mutually upon each other, with a kind of equability in power.
† 3. Due or just proportion; well-balanced condition. Obs.
1576. Newton, Lemnie’s Complex. (1633), 9. If he finde the plight and state of his body to be in equability and perfect temperatenesse, it shall be good to cherish and preserve it with his like.
1605. Timme, Quersit., II. iv. 116. The perfect combination, adequation, equabilitie of elements [etc.].
