lousiness
(ˈlaʊzɪnɪs)
[f. lousy + -ness.]
The condition of being lousy; fig. meanness, vileness. † Also a mock-title.
| 1530 in Palsgr. 241/1. 1547 Boorde Brev. Health §273 In greke it is named Phthiriasis. In Englyshe it is named lousines. 1608 Middleton Trick to Catch Old One i. iv, May it please your worshipful lousiness. 1664 Evelyn Sylva xxvii. (1679) 141 Trees (especially Fruit-bearers) are infested with the Measels..to this commonly succeeds lousiness. 1682 Shadwell Medal 89 Who by reviling Patriots, think to be From louziness and hunger ever free. 1822 Good Study Med. IV. 645 Species I. Malis Pediculi. Lousiness. 1872 W. Aitken Sci. & Pract. Med. (ed. 6) I. 200 Lousiness is a morbid state in which lice develop themselves to such an extent that a pruriginous eruption is produced. |