HO'LINESS, noun [from holy.] The state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes. Who is like thee, glorious in holiness? Exodus 15:11. 1. Applied to human beings, holiness is purity of heart or dispositions; sanctified affections; piety; moral goodness, but not perfect. We see piety and holiness ridiculed as morose singularities. 2. Sacredness; the state of any thing hallowed, or consecrated to God or to his worship; applied to churches or temples. 3. That which is separated to the service of God. Israel was holiness unto the Lord. Jeremiah 2:3. 4. A title of the pope, and formerly of the Greek emperors.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI