Suddenness

Sudden Sud"den, a. [OE. sodian, sodein, OF. sodain, sudain, F. soudain, L. subitaneus, fr. subitus sudden, that has come unexpectedly, p. p. of subire to come on, to steal upon; sub under, secretly + ire to go. See {Issue}, and cf. {Subitaneous}.] 1. Happening without previous notice or with very brief notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparation; immediate; instant; speedy. ``O sudden wo!'' --Chaucer. ``For fear of sudden death.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Sudden fear troubleth thee. --Job xxii. 10. [1913 Webster]

2. Hastly prepared or employed; quick; rapid. [1913 Webster]

Never was such a sudden scholar made. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

The apples of Asphaltis, appearing goodly to the sudden eye. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Unexpected; unusual; abrupt; unlooked-for. [1913 Webster] -- {Sud"den*ly}, adv. -- {Sud"den*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]