[f. LOUSY + -NESS.] The condition of being lousy; fig. meanness, vileness. † Also as a mock-title.
1530. in Palsgr. 241/1.
1547. Boorde, Brev. Health, § 273. In greke it is named Phthiriasis. In Englyshe it is named lousines.
1608. Middleton, Trick to Catch Old One, I. iv. May it please your worshipful lousiness.
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, xxvii. (1679), 141. Trees (especially Fruit-bearers) are infested with the Measels … to this commonly succeeds lousiness.
1682. Shadwell, Medal, 89. Who by reviling Patriots, think to be From louziness and hunger ever free.
1822. Good, Study Med., IV. 645. Species I. Malis Pediculi. Lousiness.
1872. W. Aitken, Sci. & Pract. Med. (ed. 6), I. 200. Lousiness is a morbid state in which lice develop themselves to such an extent that a pruriginous eruption is produced.
