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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.


Etymology

Origin of swarthiness

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

People in Russia had an uncanny ability to deduce your ethnicity from the slightest hint of swarthiness, not to mention the shape of your nose.

From The New Yorker

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

From Literature

In singular contrast to a complexion dark almost to swarthiness, his eyes were large and of an intense steel-blue.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

His attention returned again and again to that genial swarthiness.

From Project Gutenberg