wariness
(ˈwɛərɪnɪs)
[f. wary a. + -ness.]
The quality of being wary; cautiousness, circumspection.
| 1552 Huloet, Warines, solertia, uigilantia. 1561 Hoby tr. Castiglione's Courtier ii. (1900) 114 The discretion and warinesse that count Lewis shewed us yesterday. 1666 Boyle Orig. Forms & Qual. 258 And having agen made the former Experiment with more wariness then before, we had the like success in our Distillation. 1774 Reynolds Disc. R. Acad. vi. (1778) 221 He that is forming himself, must look with great caution and wariness on those peculiarities or prominent parts, which at first force themselves upon view. 1821 Lamb Elia, All Fools' Day, Prizing their simplicity beyond the..somewhat unfeminine wariness of their competitors, I felt a kindliness..for those five thoughtless virgins. 1871 Darwin Desc. Man I. ii. 50 Our domestic dogs are descended from wolves..and though they may not have gained in cunning, and may have lost in waryness and suspicion, yet [etc.]. 1893 Lydekker Horns & Hoofs 106 They are marvellously shy and wary, this wariness being fully confirmed by Messrs. Danford and Buxton. |