[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That qualifies, in senses of the vb.
1606. Shaks., Tr. & Cr., IV. iv. 9. My loue admits no qualifying crosse [usu. emend. dross].
1704. Norris, Ideal World, II. iii. 192. Something … so peculiarly qualifying and distinguishing.
1769. Junius Lett., xxxv. 160. A qualifying measure would not be accepted.
1812. Scott, Fam. Lett. (1894), I. viii. 241. The good we meet with … is always blended with qualifying bitterness.
1890. Athenæum, 26 April, 525/3. To pass a qualifying examination and to become a teacher.
Hence Qualifyingly adv.
1831. Blakey, Free-will, 109. They qualifyingly admit its force, by calling it a difficulty.
