[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being fatal.
1. ‘Invincible necessity’ (J.).
1755. In Johnson; and in mod. Dicts.
2. a. Disastrous nature. b. Destructive or deadly quality.
1651. Reliq. Wotton., B 8/2. Master Cuffe being then a man of no Common note in the University for his learning, nor after his removall from thence for the great abilities of his mind; nor indeed, for the fatalness of his end.
1652. Sparke, Prim. Devot. (1663), 76. Whether for their readiness cheapness, fatalness, I argue not … but with stones destroyed they this servant of … Jesus Christ.
