self-willednessn.

c1450 J. Metham Physiognomy in Wks. (1916) 121 (MED) Styff herys and blak off coloure, or ellys dunne..sygnyffye sturdynes off hert and self-wyllydnes.

1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. xxix^v Hector also by his selfwyllydnes, Was slayne with Peyn for all his doughtynes.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 269/1 Selfewyldenesse, obstination.

1646 P. Bulkley Gospel-covenant i. 111 To suppresse our inordinate passions..self-willednesse, emulation.

1677 W. Hubbard Narr. Troubles with Indians New-Eng. i. 131 Many were killed in the swamp like sullen doggs, that would rather in their self-willedness and madness sit still to be shot through or cut in pieces, then receive their lives for the asking.

a1761 S. Walker 52 Serm. (1763) II. xxxiv. 137 There is a manifest self-willedness of conduct in many children. They want to please themselves in all things.

1826 E. Irving Babylon I. iii. 176 In order that I may not be accused of any self-willedness of interpretation.

1863 J. H. Speke Jrnl. Discov. Source Nile 389 The capricious restlessness and self-willedness of this despotic king.

1936 M. Muggeridge Earnest Atheist i. 25 He did not ridicule her self-willedness.

1976 Afr. Communist No. 67. 84 For all his stubborn self-willedness..there is not part of his make-up which fosters self-praise.

2002 W. H. Sokel Myth of Power & Self ix. 183 Given the father's self-willedness, an Oedipal combat seemed likely.