ˈnerviness
[f. nervy a. + -ness.]
1. Sinewiness. rare—0.
| 1611 Florio, Neruosita, sinewinesse, neruinesse. |
2. The state or character of being nervous (sense 9) or nervy (sense 5).
| 1921 Glasgow Herald 15 June 8 The home men had only to shake off their ‘nerviness’ to reduce the Australian bowling to trundling of good class. 1924 J. Sutherland Circle of Stars xxiii. 232 At every footstep he started... Indeed he was so unlike himself that even Barbara commented upon his nerviness. 1975 J. Rathbone Kill Cure i. i. 16 Bury, she supposed, was all right, but there was a nerviness about him that she did not quite like. |