superstitiousnessn.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. OOOiii^v The contemplacion of suche, tourneth outher to supersticiousnesse, or els, to a fantasticall curiosite.

1548 T. Cranmer Catechismus sig. iii ^v Superstitiousnes of beades, and confidence in oure owne merites.

1657 J. Watts Scribe, Pharisee i. 232 As there is no popishnesse, so, I do not see what superstitiousnesse there can be in it.

1736 J. Ozell tr. P. O. de Vaumorière Art of Pleasing in Conversat. II. xxvi. 337 That which I can't forgive in profess'd Gamesters, is their Superstitiousness; the approach, the looks, the speech of certain persons, bring them ill luck, as they pretend.

1823 J. Lawless Compend. Hist. Ireland (ed. 3) II. 112 The superstitiousness of virtue frequently drove from her door the penitent sinner.

1885 G. Rawlinson Egypt & Babylon v. 83 He showed an equal superstitiousness when..he would not allow himself to commence the work of restoration,..until he had first waited for a ‘fortunate month’.

1908 Q. Rev. Apr. 483 One trait of the barbaric mind—superstitiousness.

1953 E. E. Clark Indian Legends Pacific Northwest Introd. 2 Many of the younger Indians..seem embarrassed by the superstitiousness of their ancestors.

1996 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 15 Feb. 32/2 His superstitiousness and childishness; his veerings between an out-lashing rage and a feeble scuttling after shelter.