▪ I. beˈreaving, vbl. n.
Also 6 byryvinge.
[f. bereave + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. bereave in various senses. Now only gerundial.
| 1529 More Comf. agst. Trib. iii. Wks. 1232/2 The byryuinge from vs of our wretched worldlye goodes. c 1630 Drummond of Hawthornden Hist. Jas. III, Wks. (1711) 45 After this violent bereaving him of his wife. 1648 Milton Tenure Kings Wks. 1738 I. 315 The oppressing and bereaving of Religion and their Liberty. Mod. By bereaving him of his only son. |
▪ II. beˈreaving, ppl. a.
That bereaves.
| 1621 Quarles Esther (1638) 102 This sense-bereaving Song. Mod. The bereaving hand of death. |