† ˈwoolling, vbl. n. Obs.
[f. wool n. + -ing1.]
1. Combing wool; only in woolling comb.
| 1599 in Antiquary XXXII. 243 One p' of woullinge combes. |
2. Coating or lining with wool.
| 1660 [see wool v. 1 a]. |
3. Carrying of wool, esp. illicitly (= owling).
| 1665 Sir J. Lauder Jrnl. (1900) 3 The great number we meit of souldiers all the way begat in us great fears of wooling, yet it pleased God to bring us most safely to Paris. 1764 A. Anderson Hist. & Chron. Deduction (1787) II. 480 The mischievous practice of wooling, as it is vulgarly termed, that is, the running of our English and Irish wool into France. |
4. = wool-gathering 2.
| 1705 E. Ward Hud. Rediv. i. i. 6 When these the Sons of Knipperdoling, Let all their Senses run a wooling. |