superfluities

Noun

superfluity (countable and uncountable, plural superfluities)

1. The quality or state of being superfluous; overflowingness.
   • [S]he could not but contrast the splendour of the Polish retinues and their plumages and draperies, with the strait-buttoned Prussian dignitaries, all in mere soldier uniform, succinct 'blue coat, white linen gaiters,' and no superfluity even in the epaulettes and red facings.1858, Thomas Carlyle, “Visit to Dresden”, in History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great, volume II, London: Chapman and Hall, […], →OCLC, book VI, page 38

   Antonyms:

   necessity

2. (countable) Something superfluous, such as a luxury.
   • As they had almost all the conveniencies of life within themselves, they seldom visited towns or cities in search of superfluity.1766, [Oliver Goldsmith], chapter 4, in The Vicar of Wakefield: […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), Salisbury, Wiltshire: […] B. Collins, for F[rancis] Newbery, […], →OCLC

   Antonyms:

   necessity

3. (collective, countable, rare) A group of nuns.
   • These probably mark the dwelling of a colony, or to speak more precisely, according to Dame Juliana Berners, a superfluity of nuns from Godstow, which nunnery had a cell there, and was patron of the living.1905, Herbert A. Evans, Highways and Byways in Oxford and the Cotswolds, Macmillan and Co., page 266