[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The state of being famous. † a. The fact or state of being well-known (obs.). b. Celebrity, renown.
a. 1605. A. Wotton, Answ. Pop. Articles, 13. The perpetuall visibility, and famousnesse in the world.
1677. Cary, Chronol., I. I. I. vi. 16. The famousness and long continuance of the Annus Æquabilis in civil use among them.
b. 1548. Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Luke i. 27. Not by famousnesse of name, nor portlynesse of life.
1675. J. Smith, Chr. Relig. Appeal, I. 28. For to me it seems a wonder, that the immortal Gods should portend the future famousness of a Stage-Player, and not of Scipio Africanus.
1726–36. in Bailey.
1801. Mar. Edgeworth, Belinda, vii. In point of famousness, I’d sport my ‘Random’ against all the books that ever were … written.
1873. Mrs. Whitney, Other Girls, xvi. (1876), 212. She had taken in the housemaid and small-boy view of famousness.
