[see -ING1.] The action of the verb COMFORT, in various senses: Consolation; † strengthening, † encouragement, etc.
c. 1320. Seuyn Sag. (W.) 2596. Tak the to som comforting.
1382. Wyclif, Ps. xciii. 19. Thi coumfortingis gladeden my soule.
1578. Sc. Poems 16th C., II. 133. Send us support and comforting Agains our fais.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., II. To the King, § 3. Knowledge … would soone perishe … if it were not preserued in Bookes … and Schooles, for the receipt & comforting of the same.
1741. Richardson, Pamela, II. 169. To supply the Presence and Comfortings of a dear Mother.
1862. Thornbury, Turner, II. 126. With soothing kisses and comfortings.
