[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being timorous; fearfulness, timidity.
1494. Fabyan, Chron., VI. clxxv. 172. Gosselyne and Conrade … complaynynge theym vnto her of the vnstablenesse of her lorde and tymerousnesse.
1533. Elyot, Cast. Helthe (1541), 75 b. In case that either for age or for timourousenesse a man wyll not be lette bloude.
1624. Donne, Serm., ii. (1640), 15. Gideon, in a modest timorousnesse askes a signe.
1681. R. Knox, Ceylon, 168. Whom we perceiving to be free from timerousness at the sight of us.
1748. Hartley, Observ. Man, I. iv. 454. The Ridicule cast upon Timorousness by Boys and Men.
1876. Bancroft, Hist. U.S., I. viii. 228. Afflicted … with … an overpowering timorousness of nature.
