▪ I. ˈprowling, vbl. n.
Forms: see prowl v.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb prowl in various senses.
| α c 1440 Promp. Parv. 415/1 Prollynge, or sekynge, perscrutacio. 1530 Palsgr. 259/1 Prolyng for a promocyon, ambition. 1606 Warner Alb. Eng. xiv. lxxx. 339 Seauenth Henry..Of his Retriuers Proolings much (as well he might) repented. 1687 New Atlantis ii. 194 Such proling is unworthy our great Name. |
| β 1538 Bale Thre Lawes 1584 By prowlynge and lyenge ye fryers wolde all haue. 1632 Sanderson Serm. 173 There would not be that insolency of Popish Recusants, that licence of Rogues and wanderers, that prouling of Officers. 1908 Daily News 6 July 6 All the odds and ends that he picks up on his prowlings along the coast. |
▪ II. ˈprowling, ppl. a.
Forms: see prowl v.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That prowls, in various senses.
| α 1565 Drant Reply to Epit. on C. Scotte by R. Shacklock, No golden Andwerpe, no of truth they seke no gold of thyne, A cheat of thanks for popysh priests to cram their prolling pine. 1607 R. C[arew] tr. Estienne's World of Wonders 137 Prolling pettifoggers. 1710 Life of Stillingfleet 116 The Patent 13th Jacobi to explain it, was called a Proling Patent and of no Effect in Law. |
| β 1560 Pilkington Expos. Aggeus (1562) 66 The gredy carle and prowling poller, that is neuer filled. 1667 Milton P.L. iv. 183 A prowling Wolfe, Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey. 1860 Emerson Cond. Life, Behaviour Wks. (Bohn) II. 385 There are asking eyes, asserting eyes, prowling eyes; and eyes full of fate. 1882 Pall Mall G. 10 July 4/1 The system of prowling hansoms may be gainful to cabdrivers, and perhaps..convenient to the public. |
Hence ˈprowlingly adv. (in mod. dicts.).