fers'ness.

1. Ferocity; savageness.

The defect of heat which gives fierceness to our natures.

2. Eagerness for blood; fury; as the fierceness of a lion or bear.

3. Quickness to attack; keenness in anger and resentment.

The Greeks are strong, and skilful to their strength,

Fierce to their skill, and to their fierceness valiant.

4. Violence; outrageous passion.

His pride and brutal fierceness I abhor.

5. Vehemence; fury; impetuosity; as the fierceness of a tempest.