[f. ACT v. + -ING1.]
1. The process of carrying out into action; performance, execution.
1601. Shaks., Jul. C., II. i. 63. Betweene the acting of a dreadfull thing, And the first motion.
1853. F. Robertson, Serm., Ser. I. viii. 124. Let impression pass on at once to acting.
2. The performance of deeds, doing, continued action, practice; in pl. doings, practices, proceedings, conduct. Usually with reference to the manner or character of what is done.
1603–5. Sir J. Melvil, Mem. (1735), 267. So to direct my Actings as they might tend to his Glory.
1649. Cromwell, in Southey’s Common-Pl. Bk., Ser. II. (1849), 128. It’s easie to object to the glorious actinges of God—if we look too much upon instruments.
1722. De Foe, Hist. Plague (1754), 10. Rather for a Direction to themselves to act by, than a History of my Actings.
1825. Ld. Cockburn, Mem. own Time, iii. 164. The past actings of Courts ought not to be merely stated, but criticised and appreciated.
1826. Scott, Woodst., viii. (1846), 88. The great actings which are now on foot in these nations.
3. The performing of plays or other fictitious scenes and incidents, playing, dramatic performance; feigning a character not one’s own, simulation.
1664. Pepys, Diary (1879), III. 80. The play not good, nor anything but the good actings of Betterton and his Wife and Harris.
1761. Churchill, Rosciad, Poems, 1763, I. 31. Whose Acting’s hard, affected, and constrain’d.
1779. Sheridan, Critic, I. i. 450. I speak only with reference to the usual length of acting plays.
1856. Froude, Hist. Eng., I. 61. Acting was the especial amusement of the English, from the palace to the village green.
b. Acting over: A re-enacting, repetition.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 171. Making the creatures of one Element, but an acting over those of an other.
4. The putting forth of energy or activity, working, operation.
1647. Sprigg, Angl. Rediv., I. i. 2. This did but put nature upon more vigorous and industrious actings to defend itself.
1754. Edwards, Freed. Will, I. § 1, 2. There is nothing else in the Actings of my Mind, that I am conscious of while I walk.
1833. Chalmers, Constit. Man, iv. (1835), I. 173. The actings and reactings that take place between man and man.
1846. H. E. Manning, Serm. (1848), II. ii. 30. The continual actings of the desires, lusts, imaginations, leave soils and stains.
5. Comb. acting-order, i.e., order for acting in a certain capacity. spec. A temporary appointment to a vacant position made by one entitled to do so, but which may or may not be confirmed by the superior authority.
1804. Nelson, in Nicolas’s Despatches, VI. 199. I … have appointed Mr. Edward Flin, of the Victory, to act in the Bittern … a copy of whose Acting-Order is also herewith transmitted … I therefore hope their Lordships will confirm the appointment.
1836. Marryat, Midship. Easy (1863), 213. I really think that an acting order would do more than the doctor can.
