stedefastnesse

Middle English

Alternative forms

• stedfastnes, stedfastnesse, stiddefastnes, stidefastnes, stidefastnesse, studefastnes, studfastnes
• (Kent) stedevestnesse

Etymology

Inherited from Old English stedefæstnes; equivalent to stedefast +‎ -nesse.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈstɛːd(ə)ˌfastnɛs(ə)/, /ˈstɛd(ə)ˌfastnɛs(ə)/, /ˈstid-/

Noun

stedefastnesse (uncountable)

1. Steadfastness, conviction; the state of lacking doubt.
2. Immutableness, inalterability; the state of being unalterable.
3. Perdurance; continual existence or endurance.
4. Bravery, might, durability; capacity to resist.
5. (rare) Security or that which provides it; a foundation.
6. (rare) Marital loyalty or faithfulness.

Descendants

• English: steadfastness
• Middle Scots: steidfastnes

References

• “sted-fastnes(se, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.