\Glad"ness\, n. [AS. gl[ae]dnes.]
State or quality of being glad; pleasure; joyful
satisfaction; cheerfulness.
      They . . . did eat their meat with gladness and
      singleness of heart.                     --Acts ii. 46.
Note: Gladness is rarely or never equivalent to mirth,
      merriment, gayety, and triumph, and it usually
      expresses less than delight. It sometimes expresses
      great joy.
            The Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good
            day.                               --Esther viii.
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