archness

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English arch Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English archness From arch (“principal; primary; mischievous”, adjective) + -ness.

1. The state of being arch.

   “Marianne was surprised and confused, yet she could not help smiling at the quiet archness of his manner”

   “Meanwhile the farce was going on very successfully, and Mrs. Leary, in a hussar jacket and braided pantaloons, was enchanting the audience with her archness, her lovely figure, and her delightful ballads.”