[f. EDIFY v. + -ING1.]
† 1. The action or process of building; also concr. a building. Obs.
1432–50. trans. Higden (1865), I. 411. At Brehenoc is a water … where a man may see in clere tymes meruellous edifienges.
1513. Test. Ebor., v. (Surtees), 49. To the edifying of a portche to the church of Est Drayton xxs.
1517. Torkington, Pilgr. (1884), 32. Ther [the Sarrazins’] edifying wold not stonde in no wyse.
1602. Fulbecke, 2nd Pt. Parall., 13. The foundation, the edifying, and the endowment [of a church].
2. Spiritual instruction and improvement.
1509. Fisher, Fun. Serm. Marg. C’tess Richmond (1708), 10. To the edifyinge of other, by the example of her.
1542–3. Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII., i. Al maner of persons … may reade … the bible … for their owne edifieng.
1611. Bible, Pref., 5. For the behoofe and edifying of the vnlearned.
1705. Stanhope, Paraphr. (1709), IV. 542. My … End is Godly Edifying.
