devilling, vbl. n.
(ˈdɛv(ə)lɪŋ)
[f. devil v. + -ing1.]
1. Working as a devil or hack: see devil n. 5 b, c; devil v. 3.
| 1880 Besant & Rice Seamy Side xiv. 114 The young barrister was engaged in some devilling. 1888 Star 8 Aug., Devilling is the term used in the literary trade for sweating. 1894 Westm. Gaz. 7 Feb. 8/1 After all, devilling at the Bar has the same consolation as fagging at school. First, you fag for others; but in the end you have other devils to fag for you. |
2. Tearing to pieces by the machine called a devil.
| 1891 Labour Commission Gloss., Devilling, the same process as willeying. |