[UN-1 12.] The quality of being unmerciful; mercilessness.
1545. Ascham, Toxoph. (Arb.), 81. Made drunke with the frutes of the flesh, as infidelitie,… oppression, vnmercifulnesse.
1565. Cecil, Lett., in Strype, Ann. Ref., xliv. (1709), 444. To sharpen their tongues against the idols … of … malice, and unmercifulness.
1649. F. Roberts, Clavis Bibl., 423. Babylon being devoted to destruction for her unmercifulnesse to the Jewes.
1682. Sec. Plea Nonconform., 63. If Justices are not merciful, they have the Countenance of the Law, for Unmercifulness.
1722. Wollaston, Relig. Nat., vi. 141. Injustice, unmercifulness, and cruelty are wrong.
1864. Pusey, Lect. Daniel, 524. That common sin of conquerors, unmercifulness and oppression.
