[f. ANSWER v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of replying or responding to a charge, inquiry, argument, etc.; answer, reply.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, IV. 235. Thai mak ay thair ansuering In-till dowbill vndirstanding.
c. 1450. Lonelich, Grail, xix. 168. Of al thing he ȝaf hem answeringe.
1579. Fulke, Heskins’s Parl., 374. As for Damascenes authoritie … it is not worth the aunswering.
Mod. His answering in the examination was excellent.
† 2. The action of meeting a liability. Obs. rare.
1658. Cromwell, Sp., 25 Jan. (Carl.). Let God move your hearts for the answering of anything that shall be due unto the nation.
† 3. Correspondency, adaptation. Obs. rare.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 2. The answerings or analogies of beings, have been hitherto but ill pitcht or adjusted.
1696. Phillips, Descant … signifying the answering of quick Notes in one part unto a slower measure in the other.
