▪ I. designing, vbl. n.
(dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ)
[f. design v. + -ing1.]
The action of design v.; marking out, nomination; planning, preliminary sketching, etc.
| a 1618 Raleigh Maxims St. (1651) 77 Upon the designing of his successour. 1756 Nugent Gr. Tour IV. 92 The designing was by Michael Angelo. 1884 Athenæum 12 Jan. 59/1 Both the Dublin cathedrals are of English designing. |
b. Evil design, plotting, scheming.
| 1658–9 Burton's Diary (1828) III. 55 Petty designings. 1795 Jemima II. 18 Her suspicions were excited by his detected disguise, and probable deep designings. |
c. attrib.
| 1711 Shaftesbury Charac. (1737) III. 403 The designing Arts..such as Architecture. 1864 Daily Tel. 29 June, It has a ‘designing class’ at South Kensington. |
▪ II. designing, ppl. a.
(dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ)
[-ing2.]
1. That designs, plans, etc.; characterized by constructive forethought.
| 1653 H. More Antid. Ath. ii. xi. §13 (1712) 78 A knowing and designing Providence. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 43 ¶3 We are all Grave, Serious, Designing Men, in our Way. 1850 M{supc}Cosh Div. Govt. iii. i. (1874) 299 The order and adaptation of nature suggest a designing mind. |
2. That cherishes evil designs or is actuated by ulterior motives; scheming, crafty, artful.
| a 1671 Ld. Fairfax Mem. (1699) 100 The sad consequences that crafty and designing men have brought to pass. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 131 ¶6 The old Knight is impos'd upon by a designing Fellow. 1887 Bowen Virg. æneid ii. 196 Feigned tears and designing sorrow. |