[f. as prec. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the vb. FAIL, in various senses; an instance of this, a failure. † For, without (any) failing = for, without fail (see FAIL sb.1).
1383. Wyclif, Isa. v. 27. Ther is not failing ne trauailyng in hym.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., VII. xxv. (1495), 241. Rotyd moysture comyth vp of the stomak … and therof comyth … fayllynge of teeth.
c. 1410. Sir Cleges, 375.
| And aftyrward he thowght with hym to speke | |
| Wythout any faylynge. |
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 150. This … meltyng of the soule the prophet Dauid calleth a faylynge of the spiryte.
1577. B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., IV. (1586), 185 b. [Of bees] There are sundry kinges bredde for failing.
1611. Bible, Deut. xxviii. 65. The LORD shall giue thee there a trembling heart, failing of eyes, & sorrow of minde.
1622. R. Hawkins, Voy. S. Sea (1847), 127. Being ebbing water, the waight in the head and sterne by fayling of the water, began to open her plankes in the middest.
1671. J. Cosin, Corr., 23 May. Your apprehension of my failing before the Great Chapter-day.
1727. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Bankruptcy, A failing, breaking or stopping of payment, diminishes the merchant’s credit…. When a merchant, etc., fails to appear at the exchange, etc., without apparent reason, it is called a failing of presence.
2. A defect, fault, shortcoming, weakness.
1590. Sir J. Smythe, Disc. Weapons, 21 b. All which unreadynesses, and failings.
1612. Brinsley, Lud. Lit., 179. My selfe to supplie their wants and faylings.
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 94. Not aggravating failings, but hoping all things, and observing the best to inform our judgements.
1770. Goldsm., Des. Vill., 164. E’en his failings lean’d to Virtue’s side.
1843. Prescott, Mexico, VII. v. (1864), 459. His bigotry, the failing of the age.
1876. J. H. Newman, Hist. Sk., I. II. iv. 257. Want of firmness has been repeatedly mentioned as his [Cicero’s] principal failing; and insincerity is the natural attendant on a timid and irresolute mind.
