▪ I. affecting, vbl. n.
(əˈfɛktɪŋ)
[f. affect v. + -ing1.]
The process of the vbs. affect in various senses; now mostly gerundial.
1. Aiming at, showing fondness for, ostentatiously displaying, pretending.
| 1564 Haward Eutrop. To Reader 7 The affectynge and desyre of the attaynynge of the Greeke, Latyne, Italian and other tounges. 1649 Drummond of Hawthornden Wks. 1711, 162 If any part of his work distaste the reader, it will be the extreme affecting of policy. Mod. The folly of affecting ignorance of what had happened. |
2. Assuming artificial airs.
3. Moving of the emotions.
| 1756 Burke Subl. & B. Wks. 1842 I. 30 Pain and pleasure, in their most simple and natural manner of affecting. |
▪ II. affecting, ppl. a.
(əˈfɛktɪŋ)
[f. affect v. + -ing2.]
† 1. (From affect v.1) Loving, affectionate, solicitous. Obs.
| 1616 Surflet & Markh. Countrey Farme Ded., Darius in his deepe affecting desire, made choice of many such subiects and Captaines. 1619 Hutton Follie's Anat. (1842) 48 To gratulate their kinde affecting host. |
† 2. (From affect v.1 5.) Using affectation; affected. Obs.
| 1598 Shakes. Merry W. ii. i. 145, I neuer heard such a drawling-affecting, rogue. 1611 Cotgr., Pinsegreneur d'Amadis, a Phrasemonger..affecting speaker. |
† 3. (From affect v.2) Arresting the mind; impressive. Obs.
| 1665 J. Spencer Proph. 101 When we suddainly awake out of some very affecting dream. 1768 Blackstone Comm. I. 12 How much more serious and affecting is the case of a superior judge. 1779 Johnson Milton 154 Epick poetry..relates some great event in the most affecting manner. |
4. Acting upon the emotions; moving, touching; thrilling; pathetic.
| 1720 Rowe Ulysses ii. i. 46 Oh Nature, how affecting are thy Sorrows! 1756 Burke Subl. & B. Wks. I. 231 Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty. 1790 Cook's Voy. iii. VI. 2239 On hearing the recital of his affecting catastrophe. 1855 Prescott Philip II, i. i. (Routl.) 9 Even the most stoical, was touched by this affecting scene. |
† 5. Having a physical influence. Obs.
| 1794 S. Williams Hist. Vermont 46 Nor is the cold so affecting to the human body. |