[f. LEECH v.1 + -ING1.] The action of LEECH v.1; healing, medical treatment. † A or in leeching: under medical treatment.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gloss., in Wr.-Wülcker, 114/16. Pharmacia, sealflæcung.
a. 1240. Ureisun, in Cott. Hom., 187. Min heouenliche leche þet makedest us of þi seolf se mihti medicine … hit beo mi lechunge.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 15064. Welcum lauerd þat leches all And leching giues to lame.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XX. 73. He … lefte hym þere a lechinge to lyuen if he myghte.
c. 1400. Ywaine & Gaw., 2823. Stil in lecheing thar sho lay.
1533. Gau, Richt Vay, 8. Quhair thay sal … find help and lechine of thair spiritual seiknes.
1540. Extracts Aberd. Reg. (1844), I. 168. The saids Egiptianis to pay the barbour for the leyching of the said Barrowne.
c. 1650. Sir Cawline, vii. in Child, Ballads (1885), II. 58/1. Sir Cawline’s sicke, and like to be dead Without and a good leedginge.
