self-easen.
/ˌsɛlfˈiːz/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈiz/ Personal comfort. Later also: lack of anxiety or discomfiture.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [noun]
softa1400
makandec1450
self-ease1590
easefulnessa1639
snugness1766
comfortableness1783
comfort1814
cosiness1834
1590 I. L. True & Perfecte Descr. Straunge Monstar 3 Our Monarchie seemes nowe scant a Molehill, to that it was woont to be in the time of some of our more then happy predecessors, selfe ease so possessing our latter Popes.
1604 S. Rowlands Looke to It 12 Regarding nothing but selfe-ease and health.
1655 J. Cook Let. in MS Rawlinson A. 189 f. 396v I do not decline Publick Service out of any Sullenesse, Dissatisfaction,..or Selfe ease.
1703 J. Gratton Clery-Man's Pretence of Divine Right 6 She [sc. Rome] made her Motives and Baits so strong as they are, for Self-ease, Honour, Exaltation and Interest.
1793 J. Reeve Pract. Disc. (ed. 2) II. v. 138 Myrrh is bitter to the taste; bitter also to self ease is oftentimes the duty we are commanded to pay to God.
1849 D. Rock Church our Fathers I. v. 334 Churchmen..more thoughtful of self-ease, than of what was becoming and dignified, cut away the folds of the old chasuble.
1854 J. G. Whittier Voices xi Self-ease is pain; thy only rest Is labor for a worthy end.
1900 Bury & Norwich Post 30 Oct. 6/4 Should it be self-ease, or should it be sacrifice for Christ's sake?
1965 Independent Star-News (Pasadena, Calif.) 10 Jan. 28/2 A greater self-ease could bring greater accomplishment.
2015 Evening Gaz. (Nexis) 3 Aug. 27 My competence and self-ease in lifts is rare in the rest of the population.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1590