[f. prec. + -NESS.] Baleful quality or condition: a. Hurtfulness; b. Distress, sadness.
1592. Wyrley, Armorie, 145. Contenting ioy changd into balefulnes.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., II. xii. 83. Their blisse be turn’d to balefulnesse.
1866. Lond. Rev., 10 March, 276/1. Forms of balefulness which defy the most ingenious apologist of physical science.
