† deˈliverness Obs.
[f. deliver a. + -ness.]
Lightness, activity, nimbleness, agility, quickness.
| 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 5900 Delyvernes and bewte of body. c 1386 Chaucer Melib. ¶199 Grete thinges ben not ay accompliced by strengthe, ne by delyvernes of body. 1489 Caxton Faytes of A. i. xi. 30 To voyde the strokis by delyuernes of body. 1540 Elyot Image Gov. (1556) 69 b, Fewe men surmounted hym in strength and delivernesse. a 1607 Brightman Revelation (1615) 700 Certainly this..deserueth to be called properly by the Latin name, Expedition, for the deliuernes thereof. |