▪ I. impaling, vbl. n.
(ɪmˈpeɪlɪŋ)
[f. impale v. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb impale; concr. that which impales or is impaled.
1. The action of enclosing with or as with pales; concr. a paling or palisade: = impalement 1.
| 1598 Barret Theor. Warres 76 The Muskets of impaling..doe roundly bestow their vollie in the face of the enemie. c 1600 Norden Spec. Brit., Cornw. (1728) 21 Their Parkes of fallowe Deare, whereof remayne only..the ruyned impaylings. 1613 Purchas Pilgrimage viii. vii. 643 At either end of that double empaling or entrance. |
2. Her. = impalement 3.
| 1605 Camden Rem. (1637) 348 The impaling of his Armes with the Armes of Saint Edward. 1823 Scott Let. to D. Terry 29 Oct. in Lockhart, The different bearings of different families of the clan Scott, which with their quarterings and impalings will make a pretty display. |
3. The action of transfixing on a pointed stake, etc. (see impale v. 4, 4 b): = impalement 4.
| 1615 G. Sandys Trav. 62 Formes of putting to death..impaling upon stakes. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 21 ¶7 Impaling of Insects upon the point of a Needle for Microscopical Observations. 1870 Dickens E. Drood i, Set up by the Sultan's orders for the impaling of a horde of Turkish robbers. |
▪ II. impaling, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That impales: see the verb.
| 1649 G. Daniel Trinarch., Hen. IV, ccxxiv, The One-Eyed Scott..Breakes through impaleing Swords. 1742 Francis Horace, Odes 35 (R.) Before thee stalks inexorable Fate, And grasps empaling nails, and wedges dread. 1903 [see impale v. 4 c]. |