calmness
(ˈkɑːmnɪs)
[f. calm a. + -ness.]
The state or quality of being calm; stillness, tranquillity, quietness. a. orig. Absence of wind: now calm.
| 1516 Pynson Life St. Birgette 58 There arose anon suche a great calmenes that in a lytell smalle Bote they came..to londe. 1548 Udall, etc. Erasm. Par. Luke viii. 24 (R.) Immediately shall the tempeste be tourned into calmnesse. |
b. Stillness of the sea or other surface of water, of the atmosphere, or general aspect of nature.
| 1580 Baret Alv. C 40 Calmenesse or quietnesse of the sea. 1719 De Foe Crusoe (1840) I. i. 9 The sea was returned to its..settled calmness. 1860 Tyndall Glac. i. §16. 106 The calmness was perfect. |
c. transf. and fig. Of the mind, feelings, or demeanour; of conditions and circumstances, etc.
| 1561 T. Norton Calvin's Inst. iv. ii. (1634) 513 The Church in calmenesse of time appeareth quiet and free. 1597 Hooker Eccl. Pol. v. lxii. §18 Calmness of speech. 1699 Luttrell Brief Rel. IV. 538 The dyet goes on with calmnesse. 1823 Lamb Elia (1860) 153 The Quakers go about their business..with more calmness than we. 1883 Lloyd Ebb & Flow II. 283 The almost rigid calmness of his features. |