[f. COVET + -ING1.] The action of the vb. COVET.

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c. 1315.  Shoreham, 22. Let ounde and wrethe and coveytynge.

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1382.  Wyclif, Rom. vi. 12. Regne not synne in ȝoure deedly body, that ȝe obeische to his coueitingis.

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c. 1400.  Maundev. (1839), xiv. 159. The Dyamand schold ben ȝoven frely, with outen coveytynge.

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1611.  Shaks., Cymb., II. v. 25. Ambitions, Couetings, change of Prides, Disdaine.

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a. 1665.  J. Goodwin, Filled w. the Spirit (1867), 226. The zealous desires or covetings of men after spiritual things.

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1877.  Mrs. Oliphant, Makers Flor., xi. 261. A country so rich and splendid could scarcely fail to awaken covetings.

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1887.  Ruskin, in Pall Mall Gaz., 15 Nov., 3/1. Nothing made Carlyle more contemptuous than this coveting of ‘happiness.’

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