▪ I. thirsting, vbl. n.
(ˈθɜːstɪŋ)
[f. thirst v. + -ing1.]
The condition denoted by the verb thirst; thirst; fig. longing, craving.
| c 1500 Kennedy Passion of Christ 739 Bitter wyne myxt with gall..þai him gaif to slokin his thristing. 1653 Cromwell Sp. 14 July in Carlyle, We have had many desires, and thirstings in our spirits, to find out ways and means. 1701 Stanhope Augustine's Medit. xxxv. 82 What impatient thirstings ought I to bring! 1861 Times 22 Aug., A thirsting for political liberty. |
▪ II. ˈthirsting, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That thirsts, thirsty; fig. longing.
| 1382 Wyclif Prov. xxv. 25 Cold watir to the threstende soule. 1552 Huloet, Thyrstynge, or beynge a thyrste, sitiens. 1649 W. Blithe Eng. Improv. Impr. (1653) 25 Keep thy Land rather in a thirsting condition. 1770 Wesley Jrnl. 26 June, They drank in the words of life, just as the thirsting earth the showers. 1820 Shelley Cloud i, I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers. 1857–8 Sears Athan. ii. iii. 195 His marvellous tale..has fallen into thirsting ears. |
Hence ˈthirstingly adv., longingly.
| 1619 W. Sclater Exp. 1 Thess. (1630) 570 The will..so thirstingly inclined to wickednesse. |