▪ I. ˈdenting, vbl. n.
[f. dent v. + -ing1.]
1. The action of the verb dent, q.v.
| 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. xvii. clxii. (1495) 709 After many manere castynge, hewynge, dentynge, and planynge. 1591 Percivall Sp. Dict., Abolladura, denting in with blowes, beating in, contusio. |
† 2. The result of this action; an indentation.
| 1388 Wyclif Ex. xxvi. 17 Twei dentyngis [1382 rabitis] schulen be in the sidis of a table, bi which a table schal be ioyned to another table. |
† 3. Arch. = dentil. Obs.
| 1730 A. Gordon Maffei's Amphith. 367 The great Cornish, with Modilions and Dentings. |
▪ II. ˈdenting, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That dents; † that strikes a blow.
| 1575 Appius & Virginia Epil. in Hazl. Dodsley IV. 155 But denting death will cause them all to grant this world as vain. |