[f. prec. + -NESS.] = FLEXIBILITY in various senses.
1612–5. Bp. Hall, Contempl., O. T., XIX. iii. If this son of Chenaanah had not had a fore-head of brass for impudency, and a heart of lead for flexiblenesse to humours and times, he had never devised these horns of iron, wherewith his king was gored unto blood.
1669. Woodhead, St. Teresa, II. App. 1. Women expecially; for, if once they perceive in the Superior such a flexibleness, as to pass by their faults, and change his mind, lest they grow discontented, it will be very difficult to govern them.
1692. Locke, Educ., § 199. 255. The Flexibleness of the former Part of a Man’s Age, not yet grown up to be headstrong, makes it more governable and safe; and in the After-part, Reason and Foresight begin a little to take Place, and mind a Man of his Safety and Improvement.
