† ˈsubtileness Obs.
[f. subtile a. + -ness.]
1. Thinness, tenuity.
| 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. iv. i. (1495) e iij b/2 The symplynes of a boystous thynge is subtylnes in that comyth in by wythdrawynge of fastnes & thycnes of partyes. 1528 Paynell Salerne's Regim. b iv, The subtilnes [ed. 1541, subtile parte] of the bloud burneth hit selfe and tourneth in to coler and grossely into melancoly. 1597 A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 41/1 Because of the subtilenes thereof [sc. of the cautery], and the virtues of his substance. 1617 Moryson Itin. iii. 45 The subtilenesse of the Ayre. 1676 Wiseman Chirurg. Treat. i. vi. 34 The Erysipelas à Sanguine bilioso, from cholerick Bloud,..affects onely the outward Parts, none of which escape its tenuity and subtilnes. |
2. Cunning, craftiness.
| 1474 Caxton Chesse ii. v. (1883) 60 Thou hast vaynquyshid them..by thy newe deceyuable falsenes and by subtilnes. 1509 Hawes Past. Pleas. xx. iv. (1555) M iij b, Ye shall be ryght well vyctoryous Of all your enemyes so full of subtylnes. c 1511 1st Engl. Bk. Amer. (Arb.) Introd. 33/2 The Lyon sleeth the vnicorne with subtylnes. 1641 Earl of Monmouth tr. Biondi's Civil Wars iii. 123 Had the Dolphin lived he had runne no danger; for in time he might easily have won him by his subtilnesse. |
3. Subtlety (of argument).
| 1591 Greene Farew. to Folly Wks. (Grosart) IX. 251 As well to imitate Aristotle in the sumptuousnes of his apparell as the subtilnesse of his arguments. |