Werinesse

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An old spelling for the state of being worn out, tired, or drained of energy after exertion or long strain
2. Archaic term for exhaustion, the condition of having little strength or patience left after prolonged effort
3. A former variant meaning weariness, the feeling of fatigue or boredom that comes from too much toil or waiting

Etymology: "Werinesse" is a Middle English formation: the adjective "weri" (weary), from Old English "wērig," plus the suffix "-nesse," from Old English "-nes," which turns an adjective into a noun for a state or quality. Its meaning matches the ordinary sense of "weariness," so it is a transparent compound rather than a word with a dramatic twist. Its modern descendant, "weariness," keeps the same stem and suffix, but the older spelling has dropped out of use. Because the formation is so regular, it needed no special coinage, and it appears in Middle English writing much as the suffix "-ness" is used on other adjectives today.