[f. as prec. + -ING2.]
1. That corrupts (trans.): see the verb.
1509. Barclay, Shyp of Folys (1570), 106–7. That which is written both playne and holyly, By their corrupting and vnlawfull glose, Oft time they bring to damnable heresie.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., IV. ii. 34. Know’st thou not any, whom corrupting Gold Will tempt vnto a close exploit of Death?
1605. Play Stucley, in Simpson, Sch. Shaks. (1878), 219. The way … by force or by corrupting gold, To step into the throne.
1792. Burke, Corr. (1844), III. 436. Power is a very corrupting thing, especially low and jobbish power.
1839. Thirlwall, Greece, VII. 263. A tyranny more degrading and corrupting than any she had hitherto experienced.
2. That undergoes corruption; becoming corrupt.
1567. Triall Treas. (1850), 6. How be it, it is not golde alwayes that doth shine, But corrupting copper, of small valuation.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), V. 95. Fed with every kind of flesh, whether fresh or corrupting.
1860. Ruskin, Mod. Paint., VIII. i. § 5. When … living, we called it pure … when … corrupting … we call it impure.
