▪ I. ˈdewing, vbl. n.
[f. dew v. + -ing1.]
1. Deposition of dew.
| 13.. K. Alis. 914 Theo sunne ariseth, and fallith the dewyng; Theo nessche clay hit makith clyng. 1398 Trevisa Barth. de P.R. xi. v. (Tollem. MS.), Þerof comeþ a litel dewynge. Ibid. xvi. lxii. (Tollem. MS.), Þe more dewynge is founde, þe more and þe gretter þe margarite is gendrid of þe dewe. 1838 Jeffrey in Ld. Cockburn Life II. Let. cxl, After the dewing of yesterday, everything is so fresh and fragrant. |
2. A wetting with or as with dew; a gentle sprinkling; moistening, bedewing.
| 14.. Hoccleve Compl. Virgin 158 They by taast of swich dewynge, Hem oghte clothe ageyn. 1513 Douglas æneis vi. iii. 143 With clene watter..Strinkland a litle dewing..With the branche of ane happy olive thrise. 1565–73 Cooper Thesaurus, Aspergo, a sprinckling or dewing. 1646 Rutherford Lett. ii. xlvii. (1881) 455 A night's dewing of grace and sweetness. 1882 Garden 28 Jan. 65/3 An occasional dewing over with the syringe. |
▪ II. dewing, ppl. a.
see dew v.