[f. as prec. + -NESS.]
† 1. The advantage or benefit of (a place). Obs.–1
1483. Duke Gloucs., in R. Davies, Extr. Munic. Rec. York (1843), 147. For the wele and usefullnes of þe realme.
2. The state or condition of being useful or serviceable; utility, serviceableness.
1617. Woodall, Surg. Mate (1639), B 3 b. The goodnesse and usefulnesse thereof, for the preserving of mens lives.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, III. i. § 16. The peculiar usefulness of the several parts of mans body.
1749. Berkeley, Word to Wise, Wks. 1871, III. 437. We are all agreed about the usefulness of meat, drink, and clothes.
1760. ‘Portia,’ Polite Lady, x. 28. The usefulness and importance of all the different parts of education.
1835. Penny Cycl., IV. 398/1. Bill of Exchange, a well-known mercantile instrument, of great and extensive usefulness.
1860. Ruskin, Unto this Last (1862), 125. In accurate terms, usefulness is value in the hands of the valiant.
1871. Jowett, Plato, IV. 19. The preliminary sciences … are to be studied partly with a view to their practical usefulness.
b. With pl.: A good, benefit, or advantage. rare.
1664. H. More, Exp. 7 Epist., Pref. c iv b. And these … are main Usefulnesses discoverable in the Interpretation. Ibid. (1668), Div. Dial., I. To Rdr. a j b. The particular Vsefulnesses of the Creation.
