[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being trusty.
† 1. Trustfulness, faith, confidence. Obs.
c. 1557. Abp. Parker, Ps. xxxiii. 79. Extend O Lord thy gentlenesse, As we in thee have trustinesse.
1685. Baxter, Paraphr. N. T., Gal. v. 23. The Fruits of the Spirit … are Love to God and Men,… Trustiness and trusting God.
2. Fidelity, faithfulness, loyalty, trustworthiness.
1530. Palsgr., 283/2. Trustynesse, fealte.
1542. Udall, Erasm. Apoph., 329 b. Not so muche as any one poincte of diligence … or yet of trustynesse.
1592. trans. Junius on Rev. xv. 12. The girdle of gold was a sign of sincerity and trustines in taking in charge the commandments of God.
1652. Loveday, trans. Calprenede’s Cassandra, I. 41. Two servants, of whose trustinesse I was well assured.
1822. Scott, Nigel, viii. Her character for trustiness remained … unimpeached.
1868. G. Stephens, Runic Mon., I. 259. Prof. Bugge was convinced of the intelligence and trustiness of the finder.
