▪ I. † ˈbysening, vbl. n. Obs.
[f. prec. + -ing1.]
The action of setting an example; concr. a pattern, example, symbol, type.
| c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 93 Efter þissere bisnunge weren arerede munechene lif mid. a 1300 Cursor M. 21718 Of croice in þe ald testament was mani bisning [v.r. bisening]. c 1325 Metr. Hom. 138 Forthi wil I schaw other thinges, That er apert biseninges. |
▪ II. † ˈbysening, bysning, ppl. a. Obs.
[f. bysen v. (in sense of ON. b{yacu}sna to portend) + -ing2.]
Ill-boding, portentous, monstrous, frightful; also quasi-n. a monster.
| c 1375 ? Barbour St. Pelagia 268 To mak hethinge Of me as of a bysninge thinge. ― St. Ninian 645 Sa wes it borne a bysnynge..For a-gane kynd wes it sa Þat bak-wart stud hele & ta. 1501 Douglas Pal. Hon. 625 Ilk wicht hes sum weilfair..Saif me bysning. Ibid. 740 In till sum bysning beist transfigurat me. |