I. ˈhōlēnə̇s, -lin- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English holynesse, from Old English hālignes, from hālig holy + -nes -ness — more at holy
1. : the quality or state of being holy : sanctity , saintliness
the holiness of the saints
the holiness of the consecrated place
— often used as a title for various high religious dignitaries
His Holiness Pope Pius XII
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
2. : a state of moral and spiritual perfection : complete sanctification : sinlessness ; specifically : a state of sinlessness that according to some small religious groups is bestowed as a blessing on a Christian believer following conversion and is often a prerequisite of salvation
II. adjective
Usage: often capitalized
: emphasizing a perfectionist doctrine of holiness as a prerequisite of salvation
the group was Arminian, Pentecostal, and Holiness