▪ I. hitting, vbl. n.
(ˈhɪtɪŋ)
[f. hit v. + -ing1.]
The action of hit v. in various senses; striking, impact, collision; also fig.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 242/1 Hyttynge, or towchynge, tactus. 1687 A. Lovell tr. Thevenot's Trav. i. 283 There was no hitting of them. a 1742 Bentley Serm. ii. (R.), 'Tis the hitting and collision of them that must make them strike fire. 1891 J. Morley in Daily News 27 Oct. 6/3 A hitting below the belt, for which I will venture to say you won't find a parallel in the worst times of our political history. |
▪ II. hitting, ppl. a.
That hits or strikes; striking (lit. and fig.).
| 1632 Sherwood, Violent hitting, heurtant. 1691 tr. Emilianne's Frauds Romish Monks 148 It was not any hitting or pinching Raillery. 1861 Reade Cloister & H. I. 292 Men will shoot at their enemies with the hittingest arm. |