Definition of "doubleness"
doubleness
noun
usually uncountable, plural doublenesses
The state of being double or doubled.
Quotations
If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof.
c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene i]
I only know myself as a human entity; the scene, so to speak, of thoughts and affections; and am sensible of a certain doubleness by which I can stand as remote from myself as from another. However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were, is not a part of me, but spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it;
1854, Henry David Thoreau, “Solitude”, in Walden, Boston: Ticknor and Fields, page 146
Behaviour intended to deceive people.
Quotations
But if it be a vice to coulour craftinesse, subtile practises, doublenesse and hollow behauiour, with a cloke of pollicie, amitie and wisedome, then are Comineus and his companie to be reputed vicious.
1577, William Harrison, “[An Historicall Description of the Islande of Britayne, [….] 14.]”, in The Firste Volume of the Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande […], volume I, London: […] [Henry Bynneman] for Iohn Harrison, folio 39, recto, column 1
It is clear to you, I hope, that Stephen was not a hypocrite—capable of deliberate doubleness for a selfish end; […]
1860, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], “Charity in Full-dress”, in The Mill on the Floss […], volume III, Edinburgh, London: William Blackwood and Sons, book VI (The Great Temptation), page 141