† ˈflea-biting, vbl. n. Obs.
[f. as prec. + biting vbl. n.]
1. The biting of a flea; the spot caused by this.
| 1552 Huloet, Fleabitinge, pulicina signa. 1582 M. Philips in Hakluyt Voy. (1600) III. 475 They..leaue behinde them a red spot somewhat bigger than a flea-biting. 1676 Wiseman Surgery, Lues Ven. i. 5 The attendance of a Cancre is commonly a breaking out all over the body, like a fleabiting. |
2. fig. A small hurt, damage, etc.; = flea-bite 2.
| 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. 69 b, Al these are but fle bitynges in respect and comparison of that which I shal now show you. 1593 Nashe Christ's T. 86 b, If wee..make a sport and flea-byting of his fearefull visitation. 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. i. i. i. v. (1676) 8 That which is but a fleabiting to one causeth insufferable torment to another. 1711 R. Cooper Country-Man's Proposal (1712) 13 I will shew you that would be but a Flea-biting to the Nation. |
3. = flea-bite 3.
| 1598 Florio, Liardo, a horse marked with red or tannie spots or fleabitings. |