[f. AFFECT v. + -ING2.]
† 1. (From AFFECT v.1) Loving, affectionate, solicitous. Obs.
1616. Surflet & Markh., Countrey Farme, Ded. Darius in his deepe affecting desire, made choice of many such subiects and Captaines.
1619. H. Hutton, Follie’s Anat. (1842), 48. To gratulate their kinde affecting host.
† 2. (From AFFECT v.1 5.) Using affectation; affected. Obs.
1598. Shaks., Merry Wives, II. i. 145. I neuer heard such a drawling-affecting, rogue.
1611. Cotgr., Pinsegreneur d’Amadis, a Phrasemonger … affecting speaker.
† 3. (From AFFECT v.2) Arresting the mind; impressive. Obs.
1665. J. Spencer, Proph., 101. When we suddainly awake out of some very affecting dream.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., I. 12. How much more serious and affecting is the case of a superior judge.
1779. Johnson, Milton, 154. Epick poetry … relates some great event in the most affecting manner.
4. Acting upon the emotions; moving, touching; thrilling; pathetic.
1720. Rowe, Ulysses, II. i. 46. Oh Nature, how affecting are thy Sorrows!
1756. Burke, Subl. & B., Wks. I. 231. Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.
1790. Cook’s Voy., III. VI. 2239. On hearing the recital of his affecting catastrophe.
1855. Prescott, Philip II., I. i. (Routl.), 9. Even the most stoical, was touched by this affecting scene.
† 5. Having a physical influence. Obs.
1794. S. Williams, Hist. Vermont, 46. Nor is the cold so affecting to the human body.
