heaviness

noun

Etymology: From Middle English hevynesse, from Old English hefiġnes (“heaviness”). Equivalent to heavy + -ness.

1. The state of being heavy; weight, weightiness, force of impact or gravity.

   “This figure, immobile and static in his heaviness, was assumed to be deeply asleep and therefore to introduce a note of humorous anecdotality to what should have been a tragic scene.”

2. Oppression; dejectedness, sadness; low spirits.

   “Firſt got vvith guile, and then preſeru'd vvith dread, / And after ſpent with pride and lauiſhneſſe, / Leauing behind them griefe and heauineſſe.”

   “By ſo much the more ſhall I to-morrovv be at the height of heart-heavineſs.”

3. Drowsiness.

   “The ſtrangeneſs of your ſtory put / Heavineſs in me.”