[f. VEX v. + -ING2.] That vexes; causing vexation.
a. 1586. Sidney, Psalms VI. vi. The while a swarm of foes with vexing feates My life besitteth.
1599. Davies, Immort. Soul, XXII. vi. (1714), 79. Trembling Fear, and vexing Griefs annoy.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 28. Reckoning Impossibles not to concerne our Desires; nor Unavoydables our Feares; nor things past our Remedy, our vexing sorrow.
1684. Leighton, Comm. 1 Peter v. 8–9. The burden of vexing carefulness.
1727. Bailey (vol. II.), Vexatiousness, troublesome, perplexing, vexing Quality.
1762. Kames, Elem. Crit., xviii. (1833), 286. From this vexing dilemma I am happily relieved.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xlv. I am glad to see that this vexing job hasna taen awa your appetite, Captain.
1910. 19th Cent., Feb., 279. Let others seek … the games and pleasures which bring with them a thousand vexing cares.
Hence Vexingly adv.
1635–56. Cowley, Davideis, IV. 81. At Courts, and Seats of Justice to complain, Was to be robb’d more vexingly again.
1643. J. Caryl, Expos. Job, I. 868. This they did so vexingly, that they are said to wrest his words.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 269, ¶ 5. It is the same poverty which makes men speak or write smuttily, that forces them to talk vexingly.
