▪ I. symbolizing, vbl. n.
(ˈsɪmbəlaɪzɪŋ)
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb symbolize.
1. † Agreement in nature or qualities, resemblance, congruity, analogy (obs.); agreement in tenets or practices, conformity, compliance (now rare or obs.).
| 1605 [see symbolize v. 2]. 1607 (title) A Scholasticall Discovrse against Symbolizing with Antichrist in Ceremonies: especially in the Signe of the Crosse. 1641 Answ. Vind. Smectymnuus 58 Could you instance, This prayer is Superstitious, that Idolatrous,..you might have just reason to except at any touch of our symbolizing with them. a 1661 Fuller Worthies, Kent (1662) i. 62 There is a great Symbolizing betwixt them in many concurrences. 1759 Hume Hist. Eng. II. iii. 506 Every compliance, they said, was a symbolizng with Antichrist. 1822 R. Hall Notes Serm. v. Wks. 1832 V. 35 Though unitarians repel..the charge of symbolizing with deists. |
2. The action of using symbols, or of representing something by a symbol.
| 1887 Browning Parleyings, B. de Mandeville viii, What need of symbolizing? Fitlier men Would take on tongue mere facts. 1908 Expositor Mar. 251 Shortening and symbolizing of imitative curses and prayers is an often observed phenomenon. |
▪ II. ˈsymbolizing, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That symbolizes.
1. † a. Agreeing in nature or qualities; congruous, concordant, similar. Obs.
| 1611 Cotgr., Symbolizant, symbolizing, sympathizing. a 1652 J. Smith Sel. Disc. vi. iv. (1821) 210 A discerning of that sympathizing and symbolizing complexion of their own bodies with some other bodies without them. Ibid. ix. 272 Any admirable discourses, in which there is a cheerful and free flowing forth of a rich fancy.., are apt to beget a symbolizing quality of mind in a by-stander. 1660 Boyle New Exp. Phys. Mech. xxii. 179 We might easily subjoyn the Authority of Aristotle, and..the Schools who are known to have taught, that Air and Water being Symbolizing Elements (in the quality of moisture) are easily transmutable into one another. 1661 ― Scept. Chym. v. (1680) 325 These Symbolizing Bodies, Aire and Fire. |
b. Agreeing, or showing agreement, in tenets or practices; conforming. ? Obs.
| 1732 Neal Hist. Purit. (1754) I. ii. 46 Hooper was as much for the clergy's wearing a decent and distinct habit from the laity, as Ridley, but prayed to be excused from the old symbolizing popish garments. |
2. Using, or representing things by, symbols.
| 1909 Spectator 10 Apr. 570/2 It was not until comparatively late that the symbolising instinct of a simple age felt that the ideal purity of the Lord's Mother was best expressed in the purity of white lilies. |