[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being without fear; boldness, intrepidity. Const. of.
1614. Bp. Hall, A Recollection of such Treatises, 110. Their fearelessenesse of earthquakes, and deaths argued the truth of their religion.
1628. Wither, Brit. Rememb., III. 672.
| And Flesh and Blood, with wonder, shall confesse | |
| That Faith hath pow’r to teach men fearlesnesse. |
a. 1665. J. Goodwin, Πλήρωμα τὸ Πνευματικόν; or, A Being Filled with the Spirit (1867), 23. The devil … filling them with all unrighteousness, with uncleanness, love of this world, fearlessness of God, and of his laws, precepts, and commands.
1736. Butler, Anal., I. ii. There is … a certain fearlessness, with regard to what may be hereafter.
1752. Johnson, Rambler, No. 194, 25 Jan., ¶ 9. They proceed not from confidence of right, but fearlessness of wrong.
1801. Southey, Thalaba, IV. xxv.
| The feverish eyes, could deem that all within | |
| Was magic ease, and fearlessness secure, | |
| And wiles of hellish import? |
1839. W. Chambers, Tour Holland, 14/1. That … fearlessness of consequences … leads to positive crime.
1893. C. H. Pearson, Nat. Life & Char., 278. The old trick of thought that regards fearlessness in word and act as the true virtue of the man.
