[f. LOSE v.1 + -ING2.] That loses, or that results in loss. Losing game, (a) a game played with ill-success; (b) a game in which the loser of the game wins the stakes. Losing hazard, loadum, see the sbs.
1519. Horman, Vulg., 280 b. A sengle ace is a losynge caste.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., IV. i. 62. I follow thus A loosing suite against him. Ibid. (1601), Jul. C., V. v. 36. I shall have glory by this loosing day.
1668. Lady Chaworth, in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 10. [He] deserves a better fate than to be ever of the loosing side.
1708. Pope, Lett. to H. Cromwell, 1 Nov. You are return’d by this time … to the old Diversions of a losing Game at Picquet with the Ladies, and half a Play … at the Theatre.
1720. De Foe, Capt. Singleton, xv. (1840), 265. This was a losing voyage.
1755. Magens, Insurances, I. 60. They came to a losing Market.
1763. Hoyle, Whist, 23. Do not trump it, but throw away a losing Card.
1893. F. Adams, New Egypt, 26. I think we’re playing a loosing game in Egypt.
Hence Losingly adv., in a losing manner.
1864. in Craig, Suppl.
