[f. as prec. + -NESS.]
1. The state of being behindhand in progress or preparation.
a. 1588. Abp. Sandys, Serm. (1841), 424. Where there is backwardness in knowledge.
1628. Earle, Microcosm., Raw Preacher, 3. His backwardness in the University.
1683. Sir W. Temple, Mem., 1672–9, Wks. 1731, I. 417. By their Forwardness, and the great Backwardness of some of the Allies.
1858. Froude, Hist. Eng., III. xiv. 254. The backwardness of the English in engineering skill.
1876. Fawcett, Pol. Econ., I. v. 63. The poverty and backwardness of India.
b. The backward state of the season, or crops.
1684. Lond. Gaz., No. 1928/1. Put off, by reason of the backwardness of the season.
1719. London & Wise, Compl. Gard., 164. Causes of the Forwardness or Backwardness of Maturity in all manner of Fruits.
1828. Steuart, Planter’s Guide, 323. In regard to Backwardness in Trees.
2. Reluctance, disinclination; slowness of conception or action, sluggishness; bashfulness.
1597. J. Payne, Royal Exch., 14. Cowldnes and backwardnes in religion.
1624. A. Wotton, Runne fr. Rome, 5. To beare with my slownes and backwardnes.
a. 1665. J. Goodwin, Filled w. the Spirit (1867), 62. Backwardness or indisposition unto the things exhorted.
1669. Pepys, Diary, 3 Jan. I, out of my natural backwardness, did hang off, which vexed her.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand., xxxix. (1804), 254. Which operation I having performed with some backwardness, she put it on.
1787. T. Jefferson, Writ. (1859), II. 149. The backwardness of the States to bring money into the public treasury.
1872. Freeman, Norm. Conq., IV. xviii. 141. Without any suspicion of backwardness or disloyalty.
