Obs. exc. dial. Also 1–3 lađung(e. [f. LATHE v. + -ING1.] An invitation; a calling together. Also, a congregation.
c. 897. K. Ælfred, Gregory’s Past., lii. 405. Be ðære miltsunga æfter ðære laðunʓa is swiðe wel ʓesæd ðurh Essaias ðone witʓan.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 93. And alle þeo ileafulle laðunge him ihersummede.
c. 1205. Lay., 5115. Þa makeden heo and laðunge [c. 1275 laþinge] of heore leoue folke.
1547. Salesbury, Welsh Dict., Gwys gwahadd, lathyng, byddyng.
1611. Cotgr., Semonce, a bidding, lathing, inuiting.
1674. Ray, N. C. Words, 29. Lathing, entreaty or invitation: You need no lathing: You need no invitation or urging.
1746. Exmoor Scolding, I. 189 (E. D. S.). Tha wut net look vor Lathing, chell warndy.
1857. Waugh, Lanc. Life, 54. ‘Come, poo a cheer up,’ said he, ‘an’ need no moor lathein.’
