arch. [f. APERT a. + -NESS.]
1. The quality of being apert; openness; frankness.
1618. M. Baret, Horsemanship, I. 52. It will be very decerneable to the spectators; which apertnesse is nothing commendable in a Horseman.
1655. Lett., in Hartlib, Ref. Commonw. Bees, 33. I did conceive my apertnesse a candid Testimony of my intentions.
a. 1817. DIsraeli, Cur. Lit., 482. This has arisen from a want of what Ashmole calls apertness.
† 2. Plainness of speech; freedom of utterance.
1604. Wright, Passions of Mind, V. § 4. 192. The reasons require great perspicuitie and apertnesse in deliuerie.
1669. Holder, Elem. Speech, 79 (J.). The Freedom or Apertness and vigour of pronouncing.