indefinitude

English

Etymology

From indefinite +‎ -tude, probably after infinite: infinitude.[1] By surface analysis, in- (inverse prefix) +‎ definitude (which is first attested far later).[2]

Noun

indefinitude (countable and uncountable, plural indefinitudes)

  1. (obsolete) The quality of being indefinite or vague.
  2. (obsolete) An indefinite number or quantity.
    • a. 1677 (date written), Matthew Hale, The Primitive Origination of Mankind, Considered and Examined According to the Light of Nature, London: […] William Godbid, for William Shrowsbery, […], published 1677, →OCLC:
      They arise to a strange and prodigious multitude, if not indefinitude, by their various positions, combinations, and conjunctions.

References

  1. ^ “indefinitude, n.”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
  2. ^ “indefinitude, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.

Anagrams

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