▪ I. moˈlesting, vbl. n.
[f. molest v. + -ing1.]
The action of molest v.; † annoyance, injury.
| 1523 Cromwell in Merriman Life & Lett. (1902) I. 33 The grete molestyng and trowbelyng of all the nacions abowte theym. 1561 J. Daus tr. Bullinger on Apoc. (1573) 211 b, If Christ will come to iudgement, why doth he differre it so long, and to so great molestyng of his? 1577 Hanmer Anc. Eccl. Hist. (1585) 394 Againe he fell a molesting of y⊇ Nouations. |
▪ II. † moˈlesting, ppl. a. Obs. rare.
[f. molest v. + -ing2.]
Troublesome, interfering.
| 1597 A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 10 b/2 The fracture of the bone, with the molestinge and troublesome accidentes thereof. 1604 T. Wright Passions i. iv. 16 If our heartes..reioyce in God, then paine is turned into pleasure, and a molesting service into a delightfull obsequie. 1822 Galt Provost xl, In nothing, however, did his molesting temper cause so much disturbance, as when [etc.]. |