Sŏft’ness, n.

n. [A-S. sŏftness, sĕftnyss.] The quality of being soft; — opposed to hardness; as, (a.) Impressibility, smoothness, fineness, delicacy, and the like; — said of material objects; as, the softness of wax, of lead, of silk or velvet, of the skin, and the like. (b.) Acceptableness to the senses, as of feeling, sight, hearing, &c., arising from delicacy, or from the absence of harshness, hardness, or the like; as, the softness of the air, of a voice, of colors, and the like. (c.) Mildness; gentleness; — said of manners, language, temper, and the like. “With strength and softness, energy and ease.” Harte. For contemplation he, and valor formed, For softness she, and sweet, attractive grace. Milton. (d.) Hence, effeminacy; weakness; simplicity. “The softness of the court.” Clarendon. (e.) Susceptibility; tenderness. “Softness of spirit.” Hooker. (f.) Hence, timorousness; pusillanimity. This virtue could not proceed out of fear or softness. Bacon.