sigˈnality Now rare.
[f. signal n. or a.]
† 1. The quality of a sign or indication. Obs.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 224 Had they conceived any more then a bare signality in this Star,..they would not have computed from its Heliacall ascent which was of inferiour efficacy. |
† 2. Signification; significance. Obs.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. i. xi. (1650) 33 That the same should fall out at a remarkable time..may admit a Christian apprehension in the signality. 1658 ― Garden Cyrus Wks. (Bohn) II. 502 Though he that considereth the plain cross [etc.]..will hardly decline all thought of Christian signality in them. 1693 J. Beaumont On Burnet's Th. Earth ii. 111 Blew and red, denoting the two great destructions of the World..; so that the Rainbow carries a mixt signality. |
3. Notability, distinction.
| 1650 Bulwer Anthropomet. Ep. Ded., Had I had a Signality of Spirit to summon Democriticall Atomes to conglobate into an intellectuall Forme. 1665 Glanvill Scepsis Sci. Address p. xi, Now it seems to me a Signality in Providence in erecting your most Honourable Society in such a juncture of dangerous Humours. 1899 Contemp. Rev. Sept. 442 The battle of Azincourt reproduced the astonishing facts of Crècy and Poictiers with, if possible, even greater signality. |