ˈettling, vbl. n. Obs. exc. north.
(ˈɛtlɪŋ)
[f. ettle v. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. ettle.
1. Intention, purpose; also, endeavour.
| c 1325 E.E. Allit. P. B. 688, & alle myne atlyng to Abraham vn-haspe bylyue. 1375 Barbour Bruce i. 587 Off hys etlyng rycht swa It fell, As I sall eftirwartis tell. c 1375 Sc. Leg. Saints, Magdalena 564, & sowne þai arywinge mad In þe porte quhare þai etline had. c 1470 Henry Wallace x. 166 For charge off nan, bot it had ben his king At mycht that tym bryng him fra his etlyng. 1822 Galt Steam-Boat 125 (Jam.) But there was an ettling beyond discretion perhaps in this. |
† 2. Conjecture, estimation. wiðuten eni etlunge (early ME.): without any guessing, unquestionably. Obs.
| c 1205 Lay. 25761 Bi atlinge [c 1275 hatling] heom þuhte þritti uoðere. c 1230 Hali Meid. 39 Muche mare he haueð wiðuten eni etlunge at halden to him seluen. a 1240 Sawles Warde in Cott. Hom. 263 Wið uten ei etlunge þen of his ahne gleadunge. |
† 3. Preparation. Obs.
| 1340–70 Alisaunder 266 Redy too fight With atling of are⁓blast & archers ryfe. |