muchness

[muhch-nis]

noun

Archaic. greatness, as in quantity, measure, or degree.

Idioms

much of a muchness,

much the same; very much alike.
extravagance; excess.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for muchness

Historical Examples of muchness

"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.
Stories of Authors, British and American
Edwin Watts Chubb
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

archaic, or informal magnitude

much of a muchness British very similar

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

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