[f. UNKNOWN a.] The quality of being unknown.
1619. W. Sclater, Exp. 1 Thess. (1630), 398. The vnknownnesse, and suddennesse of Christs comming.
1675. trans. Camden’s Hist. Eliz. (ed. 3), II. 252. They stood in no Fear at all of Pirates, by reason of … the Unknownness of that Sea.
1864. N. Hawthorne, S. Felton (1883), 383. Soon they would all drop away,… all leaving him in blessed unknownness to adopt new temporary relations.
1899. Outlook, 15 April, 364/2. Her studies … appeal by the very unknownness to English readers.
