▪ I. abasing, vbl. n.
(əˈbeɪsɪŋ)
[f. abase v. + -ing1.]
The action of lowering or depressing, a. physically. b. in mind or feeling. c. of debasing or depreciating the currency (obs.). Now mostly gerundial.
| 1555 Harpsfield Divorce Hen. VIII (1878) 298 The inestimable loss it [England] suffered by the decay and abasing of money. 1569 Grafton Chron. Ed. VI, an. 5, 1315–6 At this tyme also the kinges maiestie, with the aduice of his priuye counsaile, did now purpose not onely the abacyng of the sayd copper moneys, but also ment wholly to reduce them into bollion. 1608 Hieron Wks. I. 745/1 To the abasing & humbling of my hart. 1611 Bible 2 Cor. xi. 7 Haue I committed an offence in abasing my selfe, that you might be exalted. 1625 Bacon Essays xxii (1862) 92 This would be done, with a demure Abasing of your Eye..as the Iesuites also doe use. 1642 Rogers Naaman 30 Gods purpose towards him in this abasing of his stout heart. |
▪ II. abasing
obs. north. form of abashing vbl. n.
▪ III. abasing, ppl. a.
(əˈbeɪsɪŋ)
[f. abase v. + -ing2.]
Lowering, depressing, humbling.
| a 1665 Goodwin A being filled with the Spirit (1867) 116 The bodies of the saints, which now in the state of mortality are vile, that is, of an abasing and humbling complexion and frame. |