defectivenessn.

1603 F. Merbury in R. Rogers Seuen Treat. To Christian Rdr. sig. A4^v For although it be a good deede to commend this commendable worke, yet must I plead the pardon of my defectiuenes in doing it, by alleaging my calling thereto.

1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo 402 Let there be made a Notariall Instrument or Act concerning the defectiuenesse of the commodities.

1644 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce (ed. 2) 7 The unfitnes and defectivenes of an unconjugal mind.

1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. iii. 47 The Queen giving great Allowance for my Defectiveness in speaking.

1795 S. T. Coleridge Plot Discovered 47 The detection of a defectiveness in our Constitution.

1834 Christian Observer Mar. 153 The above epitaph has, in the course of years, been read..without the slightest perception of its glaring defectiveness;—a defectiveness which reduces it to pure heathenism.

1884 W. J. Courthope Addison iii. 47 Owing to the defectiveness of his memory.

1927 Act 17 & 18 Geo. V c. 33 §1 Moral defectives, that is to say, persons in whose case there exists mental defectiveness coupled with strongly vicious or criminal propensities and who require care, supervision and control for the protection of others.

1988 E. Ramsey in R. T. Potter-Efron & P. S. Potter-Efron Treatm. Shame & Guilt Alcoholism Counseling 91 The person attempts to deny his perceived defectiveness, inadequacy, vulnerability, and shame by trying to appear superior.

2005 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 25 Oct. 24 The complaint blames the nano's defectiveness on the film of plastic resin that covers it to protect it from damage.