[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That thirsts, thirsty; fig. longing.
1382. Wyclif, Prov. xxv. 25. Cold watir to the threstende soule.
1552. Huloet, Thyrstynge, or beynge a thyrste, sitiens.
1649. Blithe, Eng. Improv. Impr. (1653), 25. Keep thy Land rather in a thirsting condition.
1770. Wesley, Jrnl., 26 June. They drank in the words of life, just as the thirsting earth the showers.
1820. Shelley, Cloud, i. I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers.
1857–8. Sears, Athan., II. iii. 195. His marvellous tale … has fallen into thirsting ears.
Hence Thirstingly adv., longingly.
1619. W. Sclater, Exp. 1 Thess. (1630), 570. The will … so thirstingly inclined to wickednesse.
