Obs. or arch. [f. THREAT v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the verb THREAT; threatening; a threat.
1046. O. E. Chron. (MS. D). On þam ʓeare ʓegaderade Eadward cyng mycele scypferde on Sandwic þurh Magnus breatunge on Norwegon.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 156. Vre Louerd hefde ifuld him of his þreatunge.
1382. [see quot. 1388 s.v. THREATENING vbl. sb.].
1422. trans. Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv., 152. Seneca … wriet the hede atte the t[h]retyngis of the Swerde.
1482. Monk of Evesham (Arb.), 96. Whenne he herde … this thretyng he was sore aferd.
1562. J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 129. Not to wag their beardes in brawlyng and threatyng.
1643. Bp. H. Leslie, Serm. St. Mary’s, Oxford, 9 Feb., 4. None of his threatings could fall to the ground.
