▪ I. ˈringleading, vbl. n. rare—1.
[Cf. prec.]
Chief leadership.
| 1570 Foxe A. & M. (ed. 2) 1 The church of Rome..hath chalenged to it self the supreme title and ringleading of the whole uniuersal church on earth. |
▪ II. ˈringleading, ppl. a.
[Cf. ringleader.]
Acting as, holding the place of, ringleader(s).
| 1624 J. Gee Hold fast 38 The greater is the guiltinesse of their ringleading Masters. 1661 J. Davies Civil Wars 371 Take away the commissions of nine of the ringleading officers. a 1688 Bunyan Mr. Badman (1905) 21 He used to be the Ringleading Sinner, or the Master of mischief among other children. 1768 Ld. Camden in Bancroft Hist. U.S. (1855) V. xxxv. 128 Boston is the ringleading province; and..the punishment ought to be levelled there. 1796 Stedman Surinam I. 73 The ring-leading negroes were roasted alive by half dozens. |