[f. EASE v. + -ING1.]
The action of the verb EASE. Mostly gerundial. Also † easing-chair, a nightstool.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Allegeance, an easing or succouring.
1598. Shaks., Merry W., II. ii. 179. For easing me of the carriage.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 757. 195. The Staying and Easing of the Tooth-ach.
1627. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., xi. 54. The easing of her Masts and Shrouds, for some ships will saile much better when they are slacke than when they are taught.
1718. Hickes & Nelson, J. Kettlewell, II. § 40. 149. The Easing and Pleasing many of his Poor Subjects.
1771. Smollett, Humph. Cl., III. 3 Oct., The doctor … found Frogmore enthroned on an easing-chair.
1823. P. Nicholson, Pract. Build., 195. The taking away of an angle … of the rail … is called by workmen the easings of the rail.
1875. ‘Stonehenge,’ Brit. Sports, II. VIII. ii. § 1. 649. Easing and starting are of course the exact opposites of each other.
