[f. LONG v.1 + -ING2.] That longs; characterized by yearning desire.
1509. Fisher, Funeral Serm. C’tess Richmond, Wks. (1876), 303. A grete comforte then it is vnto the soule that hath so longynge desyre vnto the body to here that the body shal ryse agayne.
1567. Gude & Godlie B. (S. T. S.), 219. Gif … we … leif this art of langing lust.
1611. Bible, Ps. cvii. 9. For he satisfieth the longing soule: and filleth the hungry soule with goodnesse.
1667. Milton, P. L., IX. 743. That Fruit, which with desire … Sollicited her longing eye.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., iii. (1721), 425. Of Love defrauded in their longing Hour.
1750. Gray, Elegy, 88. Nor cast one longing ling’ring Look behind!
1868. J. H. Blunt, Ref. Ch. Eng., I. 87. Wolsey had longing visions of the great work that might be effected if he could become pope.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), III. 55. He felt a longing desire to see them.
Hence Longingness.
1651. Davenant, Gondibert, III. VI. lxxi. And now his Eyes even ake with longingness.
