† ˈearnestyObs.rare. Also 6 yrnesty. [f. earnest a. + -ty.] Earnestness. 1572Abp. Parker Corr. (1853) 419 With some earnesty to prefer his honour and true religion.1591Horsey Trav. (1857) 361 This was done with such yrnesty that for the tyme it was a great obstacle in our proceedings.