gameness

[ geym-nis ]

noun

1. the quality of having a fighting spirit; courage or resolution; pluck:

   The horse revealed his true gameness, coming up from behind after that early stumble.

2. the required enthusiasm or will to do something:

   In a show of gameness, they tackled the icy path with shovels and picks.

ˈgameness

/ ˈɡeɪmnɪs /

noun

1. courage or bravery; pluck

Word History and Origins

Origin of gameness¹

First recorded in 1805–10; game ¹ (in the adjective senses “plucky” and “enthusiastic”) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

What he lacked in size he made up in grit and the men secretly respected his gameness.

From Project Gutenberg

Sam saw me catch this bonefish, and he was as amazed as I was at the gameness and speed and strength of so small a fish.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Hampton was a thoroughgoing sport, and no quality was quite so apt to appeal to him as dead gameness.

From Project Gutenberg

Somehow the sight of this brought back to him that abiding faith in her "dead gameness" which had first awakened his admiration.

From Project Gutenberg

Both of the Dinsmores had a reputation for gameness in a country where the ordinary citizen was of proved courage.

From Project Gutenberg