Obs. [f. EVEN v. + -ING1.]

1

  1.  The action of the vb. EVEN: a. the action of making even, level or smooth; b. ? the action of comparing; hence, comparison (quot. 1230, which may belong to next word).

2

c. 1230.  Hali Meid., Heouenliche luren … passeð alle oðre wiðuten eueninge.

3

1511–2.  Act 3 Hen. VIII., c. 6 § 1. Suche byer … may drawe and strayn them [clothes] for evenyng of them oonly.

4

1611.  Cotgr., Vniement, an euenning, equalling, planing.

5

1670.  Narborough, in Acc. Sev. Late Voy., I. (1711), 73. I saw where the Natives had been by the evening of the Grass.

6

  2.  The condition of being even; equality.

7

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 3372. Þi maister … neuer yet of nobley An euenyng to me.

8