over-tendernessn.

1622 H. Peacham Compl. Gentleman iv. 32 A great blame and imputation (how iustly I know not) is commonly laid vpon the Mother; not onely for her ouer tendernesse, but in winking at their [sc. her children's] lewd courses.

a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1959) IV. 322 By abusing an over-tendernesse, which may be in thy conscience then.

1671 G. Etherege She wou'd if she Cou'd iii. i. 33 My over-tenderness of my honor, has Blasted all my hopes of happiness.

1725 E. F. Haywood Rash Resolve i. 54 But you mistake her sure, and what is Over-Tenderness misconstrue Hate.

1795 W. Seward Anecd. (1796) IV. 8 A child, who by the carelessness or overtenderness of his parent was brought up to no trade or profession.

1851 Internat. Mag. Lit., Art & Sci. 1 Jan. 275/2 Perhaps it might be from the over-tenderness and clemency of Miss Jemima's nature.

1865 J. P. Grant Half-holiday in Stray Leaves 140 An over-tenderness, which oft Around the kind heart clings, Will make the wisest and the best Do many foolish things.

1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xxiv. 387 With full over-tenderness she took his face between her hands, and kissed his eyes.

2000 Jrnl. Amer. Acad. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Nexis) 39 538 He is..concerned that the mother not show overtenderness to the child and spoil him or her.