[f. LENGTHEN v. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. LENGTHEN.
1573. Baret, Alv., L 280. The lengthning of the dayes.
1611. Bible, Dan. iv. 27. If it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillitie.
1663. Gerbier, Counsel, F v a. You might … have been invited for the lengthening of her dayes in this world.
1666. Dryden, Ann. Mirab., Pref. Besides so many other helps of grammatical figures, for the lengthening or abbreviation of them [syllables].
1748. Anson’s Voy., II. iii. 148. The lengthning of the long-boat.
1853. Markham, Skoda’s Auscult., 169. A rapid contraction of the organ is not absolutely indispensable to the lengthening of the aorta.
1869. A. J. Ellis, E. E. Pronunc., I. 13. The use … of the long mark (¯) for the lengthening of vowels generally short.
b. attrib.
c. 1860. H. Stuart, Seaman’s Catech., 66. They are distinguished as … futtocks, top timbers, and lengthening timbers.
1879. Cassell’s Techn. Educ., I. 12/2. A ‘lengthening-bar’ … is an extra brass rod, which fits into the socket in the leg of the compass.
