[f. COMPLAIN v. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. COMPLAIN; plaint, complaint.
c. 1385. Chaucer, L. G. W., 1353, Dido. To yow make I myn compleynynge.
1509. Fisher, Fun. Serm. C’tess Richmond, Wks. 298. The complaynynge & lamentacyon, that the soule of this noble prynces myghte make.
1611. Bible, Ps. cxliv. 14. That there be no complaining in our streetes.
1702. Rowe, Amb. Step-Moth., IV. i. The piercing Accents of her loud Complainings.
1820. Keats, St. Agnes, xxxv. Those looks immortal, those complainings dear.
b. transf. and fig.
1735. Somerville, Chace, II. 428. The Bird … cheared the list’ning Groves With sweet Complainings.
1839. Marryat, Phant. Ship, ix. Hear … the complaining of her masts.
1882. Daily Tel., 12 Sept., 2/2. The … moaning of the wind in the rigging, and the complaining of massive timbers.
