▪ I. gainsaying, vbl. n.
(ˈgeɪnseɪɪŋ)
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. gainsay. without gainsaying: without contradiction, unquestionably.
| c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. (1810) 104 His broþer Henry is heyre..Of alle Normundie, withouten geynsayng. 1375 Barbour Bruce i. 580 Than thocht he to have the leding Off all Scotland, but gane-saying. 1485 Caxton Paris & V. 19 That was withoute ony gaynsayeng. 1549 Act 3 & 4 Edw. VI, c. 3. §2 Lords..might approve themselves of their Wastes..nothwithstanding the Gainsaying and Contradiction of their Tenants. 1611 Bible Transl. Pref. 1 The same endured many a storm of gaine-saying or opposition. 1719 De Foe Crusoe ii. iv, There was no gainsaying it. 1873 Ouida Pascarel I. 53 In that gentle way of his which, as you know, there is no gainsaying. |
▪ II. ˈgainsaying, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
Given to contradiction, contumacious. Hence † ˈgainsayingness.
| 1489 Caxton Faytes of A. iii. iv. 173 He ought to lese hys hed whiche is rebell and gainsainge in ordynaunce of a bataylle. 1611 Bible Rom. x. 21 A disobedient and gainesaying people. 1648 J. Goodwin Youngling Elder 65 The grace of God..takes away all actuall rebelliousnesse or gainsayingnesse of the will. |