Obs. Also 3–5 ferd(e)nes(s(e, (3 ferednes, 4 ferdnis, 6 Sc. feirdnes). [f. prec. + -NESS.] The condition of being frightened or afraid; terror, fear. Also, rarely, a cause of fright.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 3996 (Gött.).
| For man þat þu wil helpe in nede, | |
| Ne thar him neuer na ferednes drede. |
c. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 2231.
| Hym in-to wanhope for to bring, | |
| Thurgh thretynges þat þai sal mak, | |
| And thurgh þe ferdnes þat he sal tak. |
c. 1400. Maundev. (Roxb.), xxxi. 139. We ware mare deuote than euer we ware before or efter, for ferdeness of deuils that appered till vs in diuerse figures of deuils that appered till vs in diuerse figures and for the multitude of deed men bodys that lay thare in oure way.
c. 1450. trans. Girald. Hist. Ireland, 10. The slaght of þese fewe be ferdnesse to many.
c. 1450. Henryson, Mor. Fab., 83.
| To set your Master in to fell effray, | |
| Whill hee for fearednesse hes fyled vp the way? |
1488. Caxton, Chast. Goddes Chyld., 18. Horryble sightes and dredefull ferdnes of wycked spirytes come to some.
