[f. as prec. + -NESS.]
1. The quality of inspiring with awe; terribleness, dreadfulness; impressive solemnity.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter cxlv. 6. Might of þine aghfulnesses sal þai sai.
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 131. Where will be the solemn engagement and awfulness of Baptism?
1758. S. Hayward, Serm., xvi. 479. The awfulness of falling into the hands of an angry God.
1870. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-Bks. (1879), I. 104. The cold awfulness of an American judge.
2. The state of being full of awe; profound reverence, awe. arch. or Obs.
a. 1617. Hieron, Wks., 1634, II. 436. An outward submissiuenesse without an inward awfulnesse were but hypocrisie.
1703. Maundrell, Journ. Jerus. (1721), 30. Tender’d to all the Guests … with the greatest care, and awfulness imaginable.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 415, ¶ 6. Every thing that is Majestick imprints an Awfulness and Reverence on the Mind.
