▪ I. festering, vbl. n.
(ˈfɛstərɪŋ)
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. fester; an instance of this. Also concr. a fester.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 158/2 Feestrynge of wowndys, cicatricatio. 1541 R. Copland Galyen's Terapeutyke 2 F j, Vlceres that come nat to festring. 1608–11 Bp. Hall Medit. & Vowes ii. §4 What can ensue, but a festering of the part? 1804 Med. Jrnl. XII. 98 It appears more like a common festering produced by a thorn. |
▪ II. festering, ppl. a.
(ˈfɛstərɪŋ)
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That festers, in senses of the vb.
| 1596 Spenser F.Q. vi. vi. 5 Inward corruption and infected sin..And festering sore, did rankle yet within. 1654 E. Johnson Wond. wrkg. Provid. iii. 5 Lest from their festering Teeth a Gangrin grow. 1704 J. Trapp Abra-Mule iv. i. 1707 My festring sorrows smart. 1843 Carlyle Past. & Pr. (1858) 224 Draining off the sour festering water. 1884 Bible (R.V.) Isa. i. 6 Wounds, and bruises, and festering sores. |