[f. CRAWL v.1 + -ING2.] That crawls (lit. and fig.); see the verb.
c. 1340. Cursor M., 6612 (Fairf.). Þai fande bot crawlande [Cott. creuland, Gött. crouland] wormis.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., II. ii. 146. To plucke this crawling serpent from my brest.
1642. Rogers, Naaman, 5. To raise up a base and crawling spirit to heaven.
1821. Shelley, Prometh. Unb., I. i. The crawling glaciers. Ibid. The wingless crawling hours.
Hence Crawlingly adv.
1672. Eachard, Hobbs’ State Nat., 62. With which your Book of Politicks is so crawlingly full.
1865. Dickens, Mut. Fr., II. xii. Then propitiatingly and crawlingly Mr. Riderhood cried.
Crawling, var. of CROWLING vbl. sb.
