[f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of the verb BLEMISH; physical or moral impairment.
1413. Lydg., Pylgr. Sowle, V. xiv. (1483), 109. Withouten blemysshynge.
1447. Bokenham, Seyntys (1835), 120. Wyth out blemyssyng of my virgynyte.
1645. Tombes, Anthropol., 2. Evill … tending to the … blemishing of the Christian profession.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Abatement, [In heraldry] Diminution, is the blemishing any part by adding a stain or mark of diminution.
