[ad. L. surditās, -ātem, n. of quality f. surdus deaf: see SURD a. and -ITY. Cf. F. surdité.] Deafness. (Now Path.)
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 29 b/1. Agaynst surditye, payne, and vlceration of the eares.
1678–9. Sir T. Browne, Let. Son, 1 March. If it fayleth, incurable surditie ensueth.
1880. Daily Tel., 23 Feb. Ears long since overtaken by the surdity of death.
1882. trans. Ribot’s Dis. Memory, 152. Sometimes he does not understand the meaning of words, written or spoken, although the senses of hearing and sight are intact (cases of verbal surdity and cecity).
