[f. next: see -ENCY.]

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  1.  Intensity of heat, burning quality.

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1634.  Sir T. Herbert, Trav. (1677), 27 (T.). How much heat any one receives externally from the ardency of the sun.

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1881.  W. C. Russell, Sailor’s Sweeth., II. iv. 231. Folds of red heat, which lifted and sank by their own fierce ardency.

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  2.  fig. Warmth of feeling or desire; intense eagerness, zeal, fervency, ardor.

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1549.  Latimer, Serm. Edw. VI., iii. (Arb.), 93. With a great ardency of spirit, he pierced Gods ear.

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1655.  Gouge, Comm. Hebr. v. 7. ‘Crying’ … implieth … ardency in prayer.

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1830.  Sir J. Herschel, Stud. Nat. Philos., 7. An unbounded spirit of enquiry, and ardency of expectation.

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