[absolute use of pr. pple. of BAR v. 8: cf. similar use of saving, excepting; also notwithstanding, pending, during.] Excluding from consideration, leaving out of account, omitting, excepting, except.
1481–90. Howard Househ. Bks., 283, vjxx. yardes, barin one pese, of lynnen cloth.
1656. H. More, Antid. Ath., III. ix. (1712), 169. It is allow’d … to a Christian, barring the wrong done to Religion, to make use of the help and advice of the Devil.
1762. trans. Duhamel’s Husb., I. viii. 38. Barring it’s being so near the stable.
1793. Gouvr. Morris, in Sparks, Life & Writ. (1832), II. 281. That immense army (barring accidents) will be completed.
1845. De Quincey, Coleridge, Wks. XII. 86. Nobody else, barring the author, knew.
