eagerness

Etymology

From Middle English egernesse, egrenesse; equivalent to eager + -ness.

noun

1. The state or quality of being eager; ardent desire.
2. (obsolete) Tartness, sourness.
   Presently the balsamick body is wounded, and turns sour sooner or later according to the degree of the motion; for this fierce motion or working wastes the pure spirituous Balsam, and awakens the original Qualities of Saturn and Mars, viz. an astringent Eagerness, or sour hard Quality, that would not have been manifested, if this irregular Motion had not excited it. 1691, Thomas Tryon, The Way to Health, Long Life and Happiness[…], 2nd edition, page 121
   To this I answer that Beer nor Ale can be drawed off so fine from the Mash-Tun or Cooler, as to want a sufficient Sediment to feed it, as may be easily proved by an Observation when the Drink is drawn off, that never yet appeared to me without rather too much of this filthy Compound, which by its earthy and saline Parts naturally induces Hardness and Eagerness in the Liquor. 1744, William Ellis, The London and Country Brewer, 5th edition, volume 2, page 148