▪ I. sharpening, vbl. n.
(ˈʃɑːp(ə)nɪŋ)
[-ing1.]
The action of making sharp.
| 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Aguïsement, sharpening. 1680 Moxon Mech. Exerc. xi. 195 The Hooks when they want sharpening cannot be ground as the Gouges and Chissels are. 1842 Loudon Suburban Hort. 235 The asperities produced in the edge of the knife by sharpening. 1893 W. H. Hudson Idle Days in Patagonia xi. 184 The sharpening of its sense of smell has dimmed the armadillo's eyes. 1900 E. Glyn Visits Elizabeth 72 It is a continual sharpening of wits. |
| Comb. 1843 Penny Cycl. XXV. 426/1 Some of these sharpening tools are rubbed upon the oil-stone. 1896 Baden-Powell Matabele Campaign xv, Sharpening-stones lying about. |
▪ II. sharpening, ppl. a.
(ˈʃɑːp(ə)nɪŋ)
[-ing2.]
That sharpens; becoming or making sharp.
| 1834 Wordsw. Redbreast 1 Driven in by Autumn's sharpening air. 1876 Meredith Beauch. Career xxxv, Two or three hours of the sharpening air would screw his human nature to the pitch. |