skittishness

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

skittishness
    n 1: characterized by nervousness and quickness to take fright
         [syn: {skittishness}, {restiveness}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Skittish \Skit"tish\, a. [See {Skit}, v. t.]
   1. Easily frightened; timorous; shy; untrustworthy; as, a
      skittish colt. "A restiff, skittish jade." --L'Estrange.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Wanton; restive; freakish; volatile; changeable; fickle.
      "Skittish Fortune's hall." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster] -- {Skit"tish*ly}, adv. --
      {Skit"tish*ness}, n.
      [1913 Webster]