[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being barbarous; the degree of barbarism or barbarity: a. in language.

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1548.  Coverdale, Erasm. Par. 2 Cor. xi. 6. He confesseth his rudenes and barbarousnes in language.

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1564.  Haward, Eutrop., To Rdr. The barbarousnesse … of thys our Englyshe tounge.

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1861.  Wright, Ess. Archæol., II. xxiii. 257. The barbarousness of monkish Latin.

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  b.  in behavior, condition, culture or art.

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1549.  Latimer, Serm. bef. Edw. VI., v. (Arb.), 140. That wyl brynge the Realme into a verye barbarousnes and vtter decaye of learnynge.

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1761.  Hume, Hist. Eng., I. vi. 147. From the barbarousness of the country.

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1866.  Sat. Rev., 3 March, 256/1. A substantial resemblance … between the barbarousness of different periods.

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  c.  in cruelty; = BARBARITY 2.

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1548.  Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Mark v. 4. Cruell barbarousnesse of certain nations.

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1680.  Morden, Geog. Rect., 460. Its Piracies … and its Barbarousness to its captives.

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