maying, vbl. n.
(ˈmeɪɪŋ)
[f. may v.2]
The celebration of or participation in the festivities of May-day or the month of May. Chiefly in phr. to go a maying, † to ride on maying.
| 1470–85 Malory Arthur xix. i. 772 That erly vpon the morowe she wold ryde on mayeng in to woodes. 1598 Stow Surv. 74 These great Mayinges and Maygames were made by the gouernors..of the Citie. 1632 Milton L'Allegro 20 Zephir with Aurora playing, As he met her once a Maying. 1674 Playford Skill Mus. i. 64 Now is the Month of Maying. 1712 Budgell Spect. No. 365 ¶10 Proserpine was out a Maying, when she met with that fatal Adventure. 1824 Miss Mitford Village Ser. i. 81 A country Maying is a meeting of the lads and lasses of two or three parishes, who assemble in certain erections of green boughs called May-houses, to dance. 1899 ‘Q.’ Ship of Stars x. 79 It had been a grand Maying. |
b. attrib. in maying-party U.S., a party making an excursion for gathering flowers.
| 1853 W. H. Bartlett Pilgrim Fathers iii. 182 It is a favourite pastime to make Maying parties in the woods. |