or sanctity; a quality which constitutes or denotes a person or thing holy; i.e., pure, or exempt from sin. The word is also used in respect of persons and things that are sacred, i.e., set apart to the service of God, and the uses of religion.

Holiness, is also a title or quality attributed to the pope; as that of majesty is to kings. Even kings, when writing to the popes, address him under the venerable appellation of Your Holiness, or Holy Father; in Latin, Sanctissime or Beatiissime Pater. Anciently the same title was given to all bishops. The Greek emperors also were addressed under the title of Holiness, in regard of their being anointed with holy oil at their coronation. De Cange adds, that some of the kings of England have had the same attribute; and Holinshead that the orientals have frequently refused it to the pope.