[f. ENCOURAGE v. + -ING2.] That encourages or tends to encourage.
1663. Earl Lauderd., in L. Papers (1884), I. 176. The Bishop … hath written a brave incouraging Epistle to our Chancellor.
1783. Burke, Report Affairs India, Wks. XI. 29. The choice of Mr. John Stables … was by no means … an encouraging example to either Service.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., III. 661. He sate down … to write a kind and encouraging letter to the unfortunate general.
Hence Encouragingly adv., in an encouraging manner.
1646. P. Bulkeley, Gospel Covt., IV. 332. Those about him speak encouragingly to him.
1741. Richardson, Pamela, II. 170. How encouragingly kind was all this!
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xiv. 164. We talked encouragingly of spring hopes and summer prospects.
