vbl. sb. [f. SONNET sb. or v.]
1. The composition of sonnets; the result of this.
1588. Shaks., L. L. L., IV. iii. 158. None but Minstrels like of Sonnetting.
1597. Bp. Hall, Sat., I. vii. (1602), 15.
| Then powres he foorth in patched Sonettings, | |
| His loue, his lust, and loathsome flatterings. |
1622. Wither, Philarete (1633), K ij. Whilst Great Britaines Shepheards sing English in their Sonnetting.
1649. Milton, Eikon., 64. He ascribes all vertue to his Wife, in Straines that come almost to Sonnetting.
1885. Blackw. Mag., June, 790/2. To the rage for sonneting, so prevalent in his time, Shakespeare makes frequent reference in his plays.
1889. Lang, Lett. Lit., 151. The soldiers have quite forsworn sonneting.
2. Celebration in a sonnet or sonnets.
1642. Milton, Apol. Smect., Wks. 1851, III. 304. Two whole pages of interrogatories that praise the Remonstrant even to the sonetting of his fresh cheeks, quick eyes, round tongue, agil hand, and nimble invention.
3. Singing, warbling.
a. 1645. W. Browne, Thirsis’ Praise, Wks. 1869, II. 282. Leavie Groves now mainely ring, With each sweet birds sonnetting.
