[see -ING2.] That comforts, in various senses of the verb: Consoling, consolatory; † strengthening, etc.
1382. Wyclif, Zech. i. 13. Good wordis, coumfortinge.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., V. i. 4. To repayre our Nature With comforting repose.
1758. R. Brookes, Pract. Med. (ed. 3), II. 164. Comforting Eye-waters.
1872. Geo. Eliot, Middlem., lxxiv. That comforting explanation.
1877. Lady Brassey, Voy. Sunbeam, xv. The comforting light of a large wood fire.
Hence Comfortingly adv.
1849. Fraser’s Mag., XL. 518. The soul whose faith … comfortingly teaches her, etc.
1873. Miss Broughton, Nancy, I. 12. ‘Bless your heart,’ says the Brat, comfortingly, ‘he will never find out that we are there.’
