[f. AMUSE v. + -ING2.]
† 1. Beguiling; cheating. Obs.
1597. Daniel, Civ. Wares, II. v. Thamuzing shadowes that are cast upon The state of Princes, to beguile the sight.
2. Engaging the mind or attention in a pleasing way; interesting. arch.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 463, ¶ 2. These several amusing Thoughts having taken possession of my Mind.
1714. Pope, Let. Jervas, Wks. 1737, V. 224. The amusing power of Poetry.
1794. Godwin, Cal. Williams, 290. The project which had formerly proved amusing to my imagination.
3. Pleasantly entertaining or diverting; exciting the risible faculty, tickling the fancy.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, I. vi. 15. My dear Sir! you are pleased to be amusing this morning.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 147. His objections are highly curious and amusing.
1866. Geo. Eliot, F. Holt (1868), 25. She found ridicule of Biblical characters very amusing.