vbl. sb. [f. TAR v.1 + -ING1.] The action of coating or smearing with tar.

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1473–4.  in Swayne, Sarum Churchw. Acc. (1896), 15. For the tarryng of the hempon cabul.

2

1542.  Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scotl., VIII. 132. Mending and tirring of lxx ald somes.

3

1589.  Pappe w. Hatchet, E j b. I thinke them woorth neither the tarring, nor the telling.

4

1669.  J. Owen, in State Papers, Dom., 576. We spend 2 [lasts of tar] at a tarring.

5

1781.  J. Tucker, Treat. Civ. Gov., I. iii. III. 104. Without taking any Advantage from the Arguments that may be deduced from the tarring and feathering of their numerous Mobs.

6

1861.  Illustr. Lond. News, 17 Aug., 152/1. The tarring and feathering of defenceless individual Northerners.

7

  attrib.  1851–4.  Tomlinson, Cycl. Arts (1867), VI. 468/1. The tarring-house is separated from the other buildings by a second partition.

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