Obs. [f. AWK a. + -NESS.] Wrongness, irrationality, perversity, untowardness, awkwardness, ineptitude.
1587. Golding, De Mornay, xxxii. (1617), 558. The skilfull [man] can … by his cunning ouercome the awknesse of his stuffe.
1615. Hieron, Wks., I. 602. A reprobate awknes to all good.
1655. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., xv. § 1 (1669), 164/1. So much awknesse and unwillingnesse to come to God’s foot.
1668. Spurstowe, Spir. Chymist, Pref. 5. Awkness to this beneficial employment.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 171. By shewing the aukness or great absurdity on the other side.
