† ˈshireness Obs.
[f. shire a. + -ness.]
1. Clearness, pureness.
| a 1225 Ancr. R. 386 Schirnesse of heorte is Godes luue one. a 1300 E.E. Psalter cxviii. 130 Schirenes of þi speches lightes wit [Declaratio sermonum tuorum illuminat]. a 1340 Hampole Psalter vi. 2 Sorow for his synn has reft him þe shyrnes of..fleschly lust, as druuynge does watere. |
2. Thinness, tenuity.
| 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. xix. cxxxi. (1495) 940 Also for shyrenesse of partyes in thynne matere ben many poores. 1530 Palsgr. 267/1 Shyrenesse thynnesse, delievre. |