[f. as prec. + -ING2.]
1. That asks or begs earnestly; urgent or importunate in asking or beseeching.
1668. P. Rycaut, Ottoman Emp. (1686), 161. Covetous and craving Turks.
1745. De Foe’s Eng. Tradesman, ii. (1841), I. 17. Our poor are very craving, and Money at this time very scarce.
1887. Charity Organ. Rev., Nov., 416. Craving appeals in the newspapers.
2. Urgently desiring, longing, hungering.
1688. Miége, Fr. Dict., s.v., To have a craving stomach.
1757. Johnson, Rambler, No. 155, ¶ 8. When some craving passion shall be fully gratified.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. IV. v. 187. Meer Causim … regarded the supposed treasures … with a craving appetite.
