▪ I. backsliding, vbl. n.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of a backslider, falling away, apostasy.
| 1552 Knox Faithf. Admon. 76 (R.) Neither yet doubting, nor backsliding, can utterly destroy and quench the faith of God's elect. 1659 Milton Rupt. Commw. Wks. (1851) 401 To confess in public their backsliding from the good Old Cause. 1865 Trollope Belton Est. ii. 22 Clerical admonitions for Sunday backslidings. |
▪ II. backsliding, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
Falling away from the faith, relapsing into sin, apostate; also lit. sliding or slipping back.
| 1611 Bible Hosea iv. 16 Israel slideth backe, as a back⁓sliding heifer. 1816 Scott Old Mort. viii, A backsliding pastor, that has..forsaken the strict path. 1869 Phillips Vesuv. iv. 131 Wading up the loose and backsliding slope. |
Hence backslidingness.
| 1864 in Webster. |