[f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of a backslider, falling away, apostasy.
1552. Knox, Faithf. Admon., 76 (R.). Neither yet doubting, nor backsliding, can utterly destroy and quench the faith of God’s elect.
1659. Milton, Rupt. Commw., Wks. (1851), 401. To confess in public their backsliding from the good Old Cause.
1865. Trollope, Belton Est., ii. 22. Clerical admonitions for Sunday backslidings.
