[f. LOATHE v. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. LOATHE; intense dislike, abhorrence; strong distaste (for food).
c. 1340. Hampole, Prose Tr. (1866), 33. What es þis desire? Now, sothely, na thyng bot a lathynge of all þis werldis blysse.
c. 1440. Hylton, Scala Perf. (W. de W., 1494), II. i. But he askyth a lothynge of synne.
c. 1550. Lloyd, Treas. Health (1565), I iv. Lothing cometh of muche corrupte meate or sum grosse and sharp humor.
1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., ¶ 15. To weane the curious from loathing of them for their euery-where-plainenesse.
1614. W. B., Philosopher’s Banquet (ed. 2), 75. They [Medlers] helpe the loathing of the stomack, being taken in the instant thereof.
1657. Sparrow, Bk. Com. Prayer (1661), 270. Which … hymn … though it should be said night and day yet could it never breed a loathing.
1713. Steele, Guardian, No. 17, ¶ 10. Objects … who would now move Horror and Loathing.
1718. Quincy, Compl. Disp., 31. It … does often occasion Loathings and Gripes.
1792. Burns’ Prose Wks., 93, note. Burns marked his loathing of remuneration by the use of even a stronger term than this.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xxxiii. Your brother’s widow and her orphan shun you with disgust and loathing.
a. 1862. Buckle, Civiliz. (1869), III. ii. 48. It is this loathing at tyranny … which makes it impossible that tyranny should ever finally succeed.
1901. S. Staples, in 19th Cent., Aug., 214. Hunters will tell you of the absolute loathing generated for venison when it is served up [etc.].
† b. Comb.: loathing-stock, an object of loathing. Obs.
1622. S. Ward, Woe to Drunkards (1627), 35. Hee hath … with Beere made thy body a carkase fit for the Biere, a laughing and lothing-stocke … to men and Angels.
