swarthiness

American  

[swawr-thee-nis, -thee-] / ˈswɔr ði nɪs, -θi- /

noun

1. darkness of the skin or complexion.

   In numerous ancient Greek writings, the paleness and blondness of the northern people is contrasted with the swarthiness of the Egyptians and Ethiopians.

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Etymology

Origin of swarthiness

swarthy ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

On a recent episode, Bim and Nichole talk about one Jason’s “rough-and-ready charms” and the other’s raspy-voiced swarthiness.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2019

When Roger opened his eyes and saw him, a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin; but Jack noticed nothing.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

His hawk-nosed face ending in a black forked beard was of a swarthiness accentuated to exaggeration by the snowy white turban wound about his brow.

From The Sea-Hawk by Sabatini, Rafael

He was of medium height, erect, dark to swarthiness, with finely chiseled features and keen, black eyes, with manners the most courtly, and a voice unusually musical and haunting.

From Atlantic Classics by Various

The traits that first strike a stranger in a Portuguese belle, are the tendency to embonpoint in the figure, and to darkness—I had almost said swarthiness, in complexion.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 267, August 4, 1827 by Various