arch. [f. APERT a. + -NESS.]

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  1.  The quality of being apert; openness; frankness.

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1618.  M. Baret, Horsemanship, I. 52. It will be very decerneable to the spectators; which apertnesse is nothing commendable in a Horseman.

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1655.  Lett., in Hartlib, Ref. Commonw. Bees, 33. I … did conceive my apertnesse a candid Testimony of my intentions.

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a. 1817.  D’Israeli, Cur. Lit., 482. This has arisen from a want of what Ashmole calls ‘apertness.’

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  † 2.  Plainness of speech; freedom of utterance.

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1604.  Wright, Passions of Mind, V. § 4. 192. The reasons … require great perspicuitie and apertnesse in deliuerie.

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1669.  Holder, Elem. Speech, 79 (J.). The Freedom or Apertness and vigour of pronouncing.

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