Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Suddannes, Suddennesse, n. [ME and e.m.E. sodeynesse (Wyclif), sodennesse (1580), suddennes (Donne); Suddan(e adj.] The quality of happening without warning, rapidity of onset or action. — 1622 Scot Course of Conformity 100.
An … extraordinarie darkenes [descended], for the suddennesse … therof anstonishing all, and couching the insolent joyes of some 1631 Justiciary Cases I 182.
He conceaved it might be dangerouse at that tyme for his maiestie, bot this examinat told him he had doune evill therein, for there was no such suddannes to be feared 1653 Binning Wks. 347.
Believers who are incident to be surprised through the suddenness of sin and … the subtlety of Satan