[f. BLIND v.]

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  1.  The action of making blind.

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1868.  Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), II. vii. 79. So striking an event as the blinding of an Emperor.

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  2.  fig. Darkening of the mental or moral sense.

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c. 1380.  Wyclif, De Dot. Eccl., Sel. Wks. III. 439. Love of God is quenched bi blyndyng of þe world.

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c. 1449.  Pecock, Repr., V. xv. 563. Pointis of wicchecraft and blindingis.

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1705.  Stanhope, Paraphr., I. 37. The blinding of Passion.

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  3.  = BLINDAGE.

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1829.  Sun, 17 Sept., 1/5. It was proposed … to cover the low batteries with a strong blinding.

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