▪ I. brightening, vbl. n.
(ˈbraɪt(ə)nɪŋ)
[see -ing1.]
1. The action of making or becoming bright; illumination. lit. and fig.
| 1552 Huloet, Bryghtnyng, or brandishynge, vibratio. 1674 N. Fairfax Bulk & Selv. 51 The brightning of our Island. 1712 Steele Spect. No. 461 ¶4 Bestow upon it a few Brightnings from your Genius. |
2. In various technical uses: see quots.
| 1854 Scoffern in Orr's Circ. Sc. Chem. 506 The cupelling process..may be known to have been continued sufficiently long by a peculiar appearance, termed ‘brightening’, assumed by the silver bead. 1879 G. Gladstone Calico Printing in Cassell's Techn. Educ. I. 198/2 Brightening..is for the purpose of bringing up the colours to their full brilliance..This is attained by passing the goods through a soap bath two or more times. 1882 Artist 1 Feb. 63/1 A fine pearly grey for brightening or light shading. |
▪ II. ˈbrightening, ppl. a.
[see -ing2.]
Becoming or making bright. lit. and fig.
| 1725 Pope Odyss. iv. 346 Each bright'ning grace the genuine Greek confessed. 1810 Southey Kehama xxii. xi, A smile Dawn'd in his brightening countenance. 1860 Tyndall Glac. i. §11. 75 Clear and sharp against the brightening sky. 1884 Athenæum 1 Mar. 272/3 Brightening prospects. |