[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The state or quality of being excessive; excessive measure, quantity or degree.
1494. Fabyan, Chron., VII. 480. And upon yt ensuyd suche excessyuenes of rayne that corne was therwith drowned in ye erthe.
1600. J. Lane, Tom Tel-troth, 615. A bibbing swilbowle and a bowzing gull, which never drinke but with excessivenesse.
1657. W. Rumsey, Organ. Salutis, i. (1659), 2. Excessivenesse of Heat and Cold in several parts of the body; which breeds Agues and Feavers.
1730–6. in Bailey (folio).
1775. in Ash.
1832. in Webster; and in mod. Dicts.
