Also 7 aversnes(s, aversenesse. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being averse; a mental attitude of opposition, disfavor, dislike or repugnance; = AVERSION 4.
1623. T. Scot, Highw. God & King, 11. With most … obstinate auersenesse.
1654. Cokayne, Dianea, IV. 316. His complaints against the aversenesses of heaven.
1689. Locke, Toleration, i. Wks. 1751, II. 250. Unreasonable averseness of mind.
b. Const. as in AVERSION 4 b, c.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., VI. xlii. (1632), 146. His auersnes from so dangerous an ambition.
1622. in Rushw., Hist. Coll. (1659), I. 71. Considering all the aversness unto it of the Infanta.
1666. Pepys, Diary, 14 Dec. The House … showing all manner of averseness to give the king money.
1683. Lorrain, Muret’s Rites Fun., 152. Such an horror and averseness for the corruption of the Dead.
1741. Middleton, Cicero (1742), II. VIII. 362. Caesar’s averseness to restore him.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), I. xx. 145. I am sorry for your averseness to this match.
1765. Tucker, Lt. Nat., II. 381. An invincible averseness against all supernatural interposition.
1863. Cox, Inst. Eng. Govt., II. iii. 327. It is not from any averseness to them [special verdicts] in juries.
