swainishness

English

Etymology

swainish +‎ -ness

Noun

swainishness (uncountable)

1. The quality of being swainish.
   • 1876, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Social Aims”, in Letters and Social Aims, Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, pages 86–87:

     But there are people who cannot be cultivated,—people on whom speech makes no impression,—swainish, morose people, who must be kept down and quieted as you would those who are a little tipsy; others, who are not only swainish, but are prompt to take oath that swainishness is the only culture; and though their odd wit may have some salt for you, your friends would not relish it.