vbl. sb. [f. ABSENT v. + -ING1.] The act of being or of going away; absence, withdrawal. (Now mostly gerundial.)
1593–1620. Sir R. Hawkins, Voiage into South Sea (1847), 104. These absentings and escapes are made most times onely to pilfer and steale.
a. 1709. Sir R. Atkins, Parl. & Polit. Tracts (1734), 123. The Offence of absenting from the Parliament.
Mod. Accused of absenting himself wilfully from his employment.
