▪ I. loafing, vbl. n.
(ˈləʊfɪŋ)
[f. loaf v.2 + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. loaf. Also attrib.
1838 [see loaf v.]. 1846 Simmond's Colonial Mag. Sept. IX. 41 Practices of this kind come properly under the head of ‘loafing’ (living idly on other people), as defined in the American vocabulary. 1862 H. Kingsley Ravenshoe xli, Shoeblacks are compelled to a great deal of unavoidable ‘loafing’. 1864 Sala in Daily Tel. 13 Oct., There is..a public news-room, and a public loafing-hall. 1883 A. M. Gow Primer of Politeness 214 The trouble began with loafing; loafing led to blackguarding. |
▪ II. loafing, ppl. a.
(ˈləʊfɪŋ)
[f. loaf v.2 + -ing2.]
That loafs.
1857 Hughes Tom Brown i. ii, A half-gipsey, poaching, loafing fellow. 1873 Black Pr. Thule xiv. 222 Loafing vagabonds, who would pick your pocket. |
Hence ˈloafingly adv., in a loafing manner.
1860 All Year Round No. 42. 367 The shop, about which I had all this time been loafingly prowling. |