† ˈsimpling, vbl. n. Obs.
[f. simple B. 6 or v.2+ -ing1.]
The gathering or study of simples or medicinal plants.
| 1597 Gerarde's Herbal, Ded. Verses, In commendation of Mr. John Gerard for his diligence in simpling. 1656 W. Cole Art of Simpling Pref. p. i, In our times, the Art of Simpling is so farre from being rewarded, that it is grown contemptible. 1718 Ozell tr. Tournefort's Voy. I. 14 As for us, whose prevailing Passion was Simpling, we were perpetually on the hunt all round the City. 1774 Westm. Mag. II. 137 Upon reading a little further, I found the Hero was a Botanist, and his toils Simpling. |
b. attrib. in simpling voyage.
| 1597 Gerarde Herbal i. xxii, The Journall that I wrot of this simpling voyage. 1671 Ray Corr. 87, I intend..to begin a simpling voyage into the north. 1699 Phil. Trans. XXI. 62 An Account of a Simpling Voyage of John Baptista Triumphetti, Botanick Lecturer. |
So † ˈsimpling ppl. a. Obs.
| a 1643 W. Cartwright Poems (1651) 230 'Twas..approv'd by the simpling brotherhood. |