'augustness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'augustus', where the root 'aug-' (from Latin 'augere') meant 'to increase' and 'augustus' meant 'venerable' or 'consecrated'.

'augustness' changed from Latin into Old French and Middle English forms: Latin 'augustus' > Old French 'auguste' > Middle English 'august(e)', and the English noun was later formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to produce 'augustness'.

Initially, it meant 'consecrated or venerable' (with associations of increase or exaltation), but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'majesty, dignified grandeur, or awe-inspiring dignity'.