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muchness

[muhch-nis]
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noun
  1. Archaic. greatness, as in quantity, measure, or degree.
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Idioms
  1. much of a muchness,
    1. much the same; very much alike.
    2. extravagance; excess.
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Origin of muchness

First recorded in 1350–1400, muchness is from the Middle English word mochenesse. See much, -ness
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for muchness

Historical Examples

  • "I think they're all much of a muchness," replied Maud thoughtfully.

    Hunter's Marjory

    Margaret Bruce Clarke

  • I told them it was on account of the muchness that I declined.

  • All trade-centres where the foreign sailor comes are much of a muchness.

    The American Egypt

    Channing Arnold

  • Probably, the guilt is much of a muchness, as in all mismanaged matters.

    Cradock Nowell, Vol. 2 (of 3)

    Richard Doddridge Blackmore

  • Gourd and document are much of a muchness, he said carelessly.

    The Message

    Louis Tracy

British Dictionary definitions for muchness

muchness

noun
  1. archaic, or informal magnitude
  2. much of a muchness British very similar
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for muchness

n.

late 14c., from much + -ness. Earlier was Middle English muchelnesse (c.1200).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper