rare in mod. use. [f. as prec. + -NESS.]

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  1.  The state or fact of being equal in magnitude, number, condition, etc.; = EQUALITY 1, 2.

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1530.  Palsgr., 217/1. Equalnesse, equiperation.

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1547–64.  Bauldwin, Mor. Philos. (Palfr.), IV. iii. Friendship ought to be engendred of equalnes, for where equalitie is not, friendship cannot long continue.

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1551.  Recorde, Pathw. Knowl., I. xvi. The profe of yt equalnes of this likeiam vnto the triangle, dependeth of the thirty and two Theoreme.

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1660.  Trial Regic., 25. I am sure, I am no waies able to Plead equalness, in point of Law, with those noble Gentlemen.

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1726.  Leoni, Alberti’s Archit., I. 53. The equalness of their weight.

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1864.  Spencer, Illustr. Univ. Progr., 170. There was some appreciation of the equalness of men’s liberties to pursue the objects of life.

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  † 2.  Fairness, equity. Obs.

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1548.  R. Hutten, Sum of Diuinitie, P viij a. To iudge accordyng vnto ryght and equalnes.

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1556.  J. Heywood, Spider & F., xxxvii. 34. Where reason and equalnesse be giders.

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  † 3.  a. Of movements, processes, etc.: Uniformity in rate or degree. b. Of the mind, temper, etc.: Evenness, equability, equanimity. Obs.

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1545.  Ascham, Toxoph. (Arb.), 35. Softly exercisynge euery parte with equalnesse.

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1675.  Temple, Let. Lockhart, Wks. 1731, II. 333. With so great Equalness of Temper, and Constancy of Mind.

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1742.  Richardson, Pamela (1824), I. xiii. 251. To bear the honour … with equalness of temper.

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1799.  Southey, Lett. (1856), I. 81. His equalness and kindness of character.

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