Stĭff'ness, n.
n. 1. The state of being stiff; want of pliableness or flexibility; the firm texture or state of a substance which renders it difficult to bend it; rigidness; as, the stiffness of iron or wood; the stiffness of a frozen limb.
Sense 2. A state between softness and hardness; thickness; spissitude; as, the stiffness of sirup, paste, or starch.
Sense 3. Inaptitude to motion; torpidness.
An icy stiffness Benumbs my blood. Denham.
Sense 4. Tension; as, the stiffness of a cord.
Sense 5. Obstinacy; stubbornness; contumaciousness.
The vices of old age have the stiffness of it too. South.
Stiffness of mind is not from adherence to truth, but submission to prejudice. Locke.
Sense 6. Formality of manner; constraint; affected precision.
All this religion sat easily upon him, without stiffness and constraint. Atterbury.
Sense 7. Rigorousness; harshness.
But speak no word to her of these sad plights, Which her too constant stiffness doth constrain. Spenser.
Sense 8. Affected or constrained manner of expression or writing; want of natural simplicity and ease; as, stiffness of style.