equability
(iːk-, ɛkwəˈbɪlɪtɪ)
Forms: 6 equabilite, 6–7 equabilitie, 7 aequability, 6– equability.
[ad. L. æquābilit-ās, f. æquābili-s equable: see -ity.]
1. The quality of being equable or uniform; evenness of mind, temper, or behaviour; freedom from fluctuation or variation in condition, rate of movement, degree of intensity, etc.
| 1531 Elyot Gov. iii. xxi, There is also moderation in tolleration of fortune of euerye sorte, which of Tulli is called equabilite. 1577–87 Holinshed Chron. I. 21/2 He would not have beene led with such an equabilitie of mind. 1656 Trapp Comm. Matt. vi. 22 Uniformity, equability, ubiquity, and constancy of holiness. 1692 Ray Dissol. World ii. (1732) 87 The Equability of the Sun's diurnal Motion. 1692 Bentley Boyle Lect. v. 160 Where is that æquability of nine months warmth to be found? 1711 Addison Spect. No. 68 ¶3, I should join to these other Qualifications a certain æquability or Evenness of Behaviour. 1713 Addison Guardian No 119 The equability of his numbers..cloyed and satiated the ear for want of variety. 1762 J. Foster Essay Accent & Quantity 8 A monotony and æquability in the voice. a 1832 Bentham Princ. Penal Law Wks. 1843 I. 456 In respect of equability, these punishments [by disgrace] are really more defective than at first sight they might appear. a 1834 Coleridge Shaks. Notes 39 The security and comparative equability of human life. 1854 Hooker Himal. Jrnls. I. vii. 169 The humidity, and equability of the climate. 1882 Med. Temp. Jrnl. I. 104 The excessive sensitiveness and want of equability of which so many complain. |
† 2. Capability of being regarded as equal, or of being compared on equal terms. Obs.
| 1581 J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 35 May any equabilitie seeme to bee betwixt them? either in the excellencie of the holy Ghost? or in sinceritie of Lyfe? 1631 R. Byfield Doctr. Sabb. 183 You that make the servant..but as the Oxe and Asse is..have utterly destroyed this equability. a 1652 Brome Love-sick Court iv. i, Their merits bear no æquability With mine. 1817 Cogan Ethical Quest. v. (R.), Bodies seem to act mutually upon each other, with a kind of equability in power. |
† 3. Due or just proportion; well-balanced condition. Obs.
| 1576 Newton Lemnie's Complex. (1633) 9 If he finde the plight and state of his body to be in equability and perfect temperatenesse, it shall be good to cherish and preserve it with his like. 1605 Timme Quersit. ii. iv. 116 The perfect combination, adequation, equabilitie of elements, etc. |