refinednessn.

1612 T. Heywood Apol. for Actors i. 27 The sages..of Grecia—who, for the refinednesse of their language, were in such reputation through the world.

1687 Bp. G. Burnet Six Papers 23 Our Flattery has come short of the Refinedness of the Romans.

1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks III. Misc. v. ii. 291 To laugh as agreeably, and with as much Refinedness.

1717 Censor II. sig. A4^v The sensible Part of the World in their Pleasures, as well as graver Conduct, are proud of being influenc'd by Examples that give them the Credit of Discernment, and a Refinedness of Taste.

1757 M. Postlethwayt Great Britain's True Syst. xi. 301 What is it that a greater Cheapness of Commodities, and Refinedness of Workmanship, joined to French Policy, will not effect?

1859 Grand Traverse (Mich.) Herald 30 Sept. 1/3 A vigorous mentality, and refinedness of thought and feeling, which Britain, but for her intercourse with other nations, would never have possessed.

a1945 E. R. Eddison Mezentian Gate (1958) xxxviii. 202 ‘Your son, I said. There are other names for bastards.’ ‘I have always admired the refinedness of your language.’

1997 Amer. Jrnl. Agric. Econ. (Nexis) Feb. 89 Two attributes, degree of ‘refinedness’ and color, were the most important attributes defining consumer choice of maize meal.