supineness

supineness

English

Etymology

supine +‎ -ness

Noun

supineness (usually uncountable, plural supinenesses)

1. the state of being supine
   • 1897, Henry James, The Spoils of Poynton:

     She almost taunted Fleda with supineness in not getting something out of somebody—in the same breath indeed in which she drenched her with a kind of appreciation more onerous to the girl than blame.

   • 1773, Benjamin Franklin, An Edict by the King of Prussia:

     We have long wondered here at the Supineness of the English Nation, under the Prussian Impositions upon its Trade entering our Port.

2. Total submissiveness; flat on one's back, lacking any backbone; with total abandon; prostrate; supine
   • 1812, William Hale, Considerations on the causes and the prevalence of Female Prostitution, and on the most practicable and efficient means of abating and preventing that, and all other crimes against the virtue and safety of the community:

     Instead, therefore, of addressing the legislature, or the magistrates, I shall endeavour to shew, that the evil does not rest with those who make, nor with those who are intrusted with the execution of, the laws; but that it has greatly increased in, consequence of the sinful supineness of individuals, and the relaxation of the moral system of parishes. (p. 28)

   • 1812, William Hale, Considerations on the causes and the prevalence of Female Prostitution, and on the most practicable and efficient means of abating and preventing that, and all other crimes against the virtue and safety of the community:

     I can safely appeal to the magistrates for the truth of these statements; knowing how deeply they lament that sinful supineness, which has occasioned such an increase of depravity. (p. 32)