▪ I. backbiting, vbl. n.
(ˈbækˌbaɪtɪŋ)
Forms: 2–3 -bitunge, 4 -bytyng, -bityng, -byting, 5 -bytynge, -bitynge, -bitinge, -byting, 5– -biting.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of detracting, slandering, or speaking ill of one behind his back.
| c 1175 Cott. Hom. 205 Cursunge, bacbitunge and fike⁓lunge. 1303 R. Brunne Handl. Synne 3544 No custummable bakbytyng God forȝeueþ. c 1550 Avyse thee Welle in Babees Bk. (1868) 357 Be ware of bagbytynge, y the rede. 1685 Gracian's Courtier's Oracle 45 There is great difference betwixt censure and backbiting. For the one is grounded upon indifference, and the other upon malice. 1862 Trollope Orley F. lviii. 420 Not given to backbiting. |
▪ II. ˈbackˌbiting, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That slanders or speaks ill of the absent.
| 1382 Wyclif Ps. c. 5 The bacbitende priueli to his neȝhebore. 1580 Tusser Husb. (1878) 190 Backbiting talk that flattering blabs know wily how to blenge. 1873 R. Broughton Nancy II. 280 Am I to have a backbiting wife? |