fewness

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English few 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 fewness From few + -ness.

1. The state, quality, or condition of being few.

   “They on the hill, which were not yet come to blows, perceiving the fewness of their enemies, came down amain.”

   “There are, says the Irish triad, 'three fewnesses that are better than plenty: a fewness of fine words; a fewness of cows on grass; a fewness of good friends around good ale'. As an Ulsterman I would agree.”