[f. STARCH a. + -NESS.] Stiffness of manner, formality, preciseness.
1683. J. H., trans. 10th Sat. Juv., Ep. Ded. 1. Without any manner of Starchness or Ceremony, I may write what I please to you with the greatest freedom and liberty that can be.
1713. Guardian, No. 29, ¶ 4. The Coquet in her turn laughs at the Starchness and awkward Affectation of the Prude.
1860. A. L. Windsor, Ethica, vii. 388. That academical starchness and that academical affectation which dons and tutors love to see in their undergraduates.
