[f as prec. + -ING2.] That sympathizes, in various senses.
† 1. Being similarly affected, or having an affinity, with something else: see SYMPATHIZE 1, 2. Obs.
a. 1628. Sir J. Beaumont, To Prince Charles, 52. And feele their strokes with sympathyzing brests.
1635. Swan, Spec. Mundi, vi. (1643), 290. The sympathizing Turcois true doth tell, By looking pale the wearer is not well.
a. 1652. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., vi. (1821), 210. That sympathizing and symbolizing complexion of their own bodies with some other bodies without them.
2. Feeling sympathy; sympathetic: see SYMPATHIZE 4.
1683. Norris, Passion of Saviour, 162. So long the sympathising sun his light withdrew, And wonder’d how the stars their dying Lord could view.
1737. Gentl. Mag., Sept., 567/1. Fain would my sympathizing breast extend A world of comfort to an unknown friend.
1746. Hervey, Medit. (1767), I. 21. Feeling some Touches of sympathizing Concern.
1755. Doddridge, Hymn, ‘Father of mercies, send thy grace,’ ii. O may our sympathizing breasts That generous pleasure know, Promptly to share in others’ joy, And weep for others’ woe.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., ii. I. 177. To New England, where he was likely to find sympathising friends.
1865. Livingstone, Zambesi, xx. 417. With sympathizing hearts the little band … assisted the bereaved husband in burying his dead.
Hence Sympathizingly adv., in a sympathizing way, sympathetically.
1812. Sarah H. Burney, Traits of Nature, II. 174. ‘My kind and sweet cousin,’ cried she, fondly and sympathizingly throwing her arms round her, ‘what is the matter?’
1837. Morn. Chron., 14 Sept., 4/6. It is often wondered how the poor men—as they are sympathisingly called by those who now nothing of the matter-can get a living when out of employment.
1840. Mill, Diss. & Disc. (1859), I. 288. To enter sympathizingly into the peculiar feelings which pervade them [sc. De Vigny’s writings].
1876. Fam. Herald, 2 Dec., 66/2. ‘You do look seedy,’ said Algy, sympathisingly.
