headlongnessn.
/ˈhɛdlɒŋnəs/, U.S. /ˈhɛdˌlɔŋnəs/, /ˈhɛdˌlɑŋnəs/ The state or quality of falling or rushing headlong; (chiefly) spec. hastiness, impetuosity, rashness; cf. headlong adj. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > [noun] > haste > foolish or reckless
foolhastinessc1390
fool hastea1393
swiftnessa1400
hastec1400
racklenessc1405
headlongness1556
precipitation1572
precipitancy1617
precipitance1629
precipitousnessa1660
precipitateness1671
precipitiousness1672
fool's haste1681
1556 tr. A. Mainardi Anatomi To Rdr. f. 2v We shall leaue the light and walke in darknes, and in the end fall into a headlongness [printed headolngness, It. precipitio] and euerlasting downfall.
1581 Apol. or Def. Prince William sig. M2 By the headlongnesse or hastinesse of some.
1832 R. Mudie Pop. Guide Observ. Nature 27 There is ‘headlongness’, which rushes forward to decide and act.
1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 23 Dec. It..saves him from any dangerous headlongness of impulse.
1924 M. Drew Acton, Gladstone & Others vi. 136 The atmosphere became..one of rampant impulsiveness, bordering on recklessness, or, more accurately, headlongness.
1945 Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail 7 May 4/3 The change is rather one from a spirit of headlongness to a mood of deliberation.
2012 S. M. Taber Born under Assumed Name xxiv. 358 The romance of secrecy walks hand in hand with the headlongness of aggression.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1556