vbl. sb. [f. STOVE v.1 + -ING1.] The action of STOVE v.1 in various senses.
1456. Sir G. Hay, Gov. Princes, Wks. (S.T.S.), II. 143. Efter the stoving and bathing, men suld sytt on faire bynkis on thai herberis.
1664–5. Pepys, Diary, 13 Feb. We had good discourse touching stoveing and making of cables.
1676. (title) Practical and Short Discourse of Stoving and Bathing.
1845. G. Dodd, Brit. Manuf., v. 73. Conversion of gyle into vinegar…. This process of acetification is technically called ‘stoving.’ Ibid., 165. Hat-making…. After another ‘stoving’ by which the spirit is evaporated [etc.].
1862. C. O’Neill, Dict. Calico Printing, 7/2. Ageing; known also as Stoving or Hanging. The operation of exposing printed or mordanted goods to the action of the air. Formerly the ageing or hanging rooms were kept hot by flues or steam pipes, whence called stoves, a name which they still retain in some places, though heat may not be used.
1882. Crookes, Dyeing & Tissue-Printing, 4. Wool is bleached by the action of the fumes of burning sulphur…. This process is generally known as ‘stoving.’
b. attrib.
1456. Sir G. Hay, Gov. Princes, Wks. (S.T.S.), II. 143. Efter the sesone of ilke bathing and stoving time.
1686. Blome, Gentl. Recr., II. 279/1. Take them [Cocks] out of the Stoving-Baskets, and … put them into the Pens.
1879. Cassell’s Techn. Educ., IV. 338/2. The gases having done their work here, are carried off by the flues into the stoving-room, where they are made to do duty a second time in drying the salt.
