[-ING2.] That welcomes or gives a welcome.
1656. in Nicholas Papers (Camden), III. 285. Their famous new come preacher, makinge the wellcomming speech in the name of the rest.
1661. Boyle, Style of Script. (1675), 152. With how much more reason may God expect a welcoming entertainment for the least adorned parts of a Book, or which [etc.].
1809. Pinkney, Trav. France, 77. The returning husband, and the welcoming wife.
1821. Clare, Vill. Minstr., I. 161. Then as the glad sun breaks the clouds in a shower Tears melt in a welcoming smile.
1876. Miss Broughton, Joan, I. I. x. 208. Wolferstan, stepping to meet her, with his low laugh, and his welcoming eyes.
fig. 1863. Kinglake, Crimea (1877), III. iv. 350. The happy-looking cottages, with their … welcoming porches.
Hence Welcomingly adv.
1855. Bath Chron., 12 April, 3/3. Fires blazed and crackled welcomingly on the hearth.
1884. Thomas A. Janvier, in Century Mag., Nov., 58/2. She … listened welcomingly to Juan’s glad promises of the joy that was to be.
