[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That threatens; conveying or indicating a threat or menace; portending some impending evil.
1530. in W. H. Turner, Select. Rec. Oxford (1880), 83. Gevyng hym many thretenyng and opprobryous words.
1656. Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini, Pol. Touchstone (1674), 287. With threatning countenances they said [etc.].
1734. De Foe, Mem. Cavalier (1840), 48. If Tilly did but write a threatening letter.
1829. Scott, Anne of G., xxx. There muster yonder in the west some threatening clouds.
1898. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., V. 118. The fever is high, and the condition of the patient is threatening.
