[f. TESTY + -NESS.] The quality or condition of being testy; petulance.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 93 b. Testinesse or impacyency is a frayle & hasty disposycyon, or rather accustomed & vsed vyce of angre.
1574. Hellowes, Gueuara’s Fam. Ep. (1584), 114. Ire groweth of an occasion, and testinesse of euil condition.
1593. G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super., 196. I haue knowen few … so contrary to frowardnesse, or testiuenesse.
a. 1641. Bp. Mountagu, Acts & Mon., iv. (1642), 304. Extreame choler, wrath and testivenesse had cleane spent him.
1690. Locke, Hum. Underst., II. xxii. § 10. Testiness is a Disposition or Aptness to be angry.
1712. Steele, Spectator, No. 354, 16 April, ¶ 3. I am arriv’d to that Perfection in Speculation, that I understand the Language of the Eyes, which would be a great Misfortune to me, had I not corrected the Testiness of old Age by Philosophy.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., v. ‘Mighty fine, certainly,’ said Ralph, with great testiness.
