SOFT'NESS, n. 1. The quality of bodies which renders them capable of yielding to pressure, or of easily receiving impressions from other bodies; opposed to hardness.2. Susceptibility of feeling or passion; as the softness of the heart or of our natures.3. Mildness; kindness; as softness of words or expressions.4. Mildness; civility; gentleness; as softness of manners.5. Effeminacy; vicious delicacy. He was not delighted with the softness of the court.]6. Timorousness; pusillanimity; excessive susceptibility of fear or alarm. This virtue could not proceed out of fear or softness.7. Smoothness to the ear; as the softness of sounds, which is distinct from exility or fineness.8. Facility; gentleness; candor; easiness to be affected; as softness of spirit.9. Gentleness, as contrary to vehemence. With strength and softness, energy and ease.10. Mildness of temper; meekness. For contemplation he and valor form'd for softness she, and sweet attractive grace.11. Weakness; simplicity.12. Mild temperature; as the softness of a climate.
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