also 4 bi-, 5 besegynge. [f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of laying siege to (a place); the condition of being besieged.

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1382.  Wyclif, Ezek. iv. 2. Thou shalt ordeyne aȝens it a bisegynge. Ibid. (1388), Jer. x. 17. Thou that dwellist in bisegyng.

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1560.  Whitehorne, Art Warre (1588), 93 b. The defending and besieging of townes.

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1611.  Bible, Ecclus. l. 4. He … fortified the citie against besieging.

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1801.  Strutt, Sports & Past., II. ii. 66. Chiefly used in besieging of cities.

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