[f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. LOITER in its various senses. † In early use, vagrancy, vagabondage.
1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. V. 188. Þer was lauȝwhing and lotering and ‘let go þe cuppe.’
1530. Palsgr., 240/2. Loyteryng, trvandise.
a. 1533. Ld. Berners, Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1546), K vij. A man giuen to exercises is vertuouse, and one giuen to leutrynges is a viciouse person.
1585. Fetherstone, trans. Calvin’s Comm. Acts xxiii. 13. When God calleth vs expresly, our loitring is without excuse.
1612. Brinsley, Lud. Lit., xxv. (1627), 270. And to see that there be no intermission, or loytering in any fourme, if the master be away.
a. 1718. Penn, Maxims, Wks. (1726), I. 854. Nor is he a good Servant … that connives at other’s Loyterings.
1822. W. Irving, Braceb. Hall, i. 7. Should I … in the course of my loiterings … see … anything curious.
1847–8. H. Miller, First Impr., xiii. (1857), 212. Opportunities … which loiterings by the … road-sides present.
1889. Browning, Imperante Augusto, 162. No loitering, or be sure you taste the lash.
† b. attrib.
1642. Milton, Apol. Smect., xi. Wks. 1851, III. 312. Were it not better to take it away soone after, as we do loitering books … from children. Ibid. (1644), Areop. (Arb.), 64. The helps of Breviaries, synopses, and other loitering gear.
