[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That throbs; beating, pulsating.

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1362.  Langl., P. Pl., A. XII. 48. I … þanked hure a þousand syþes with þrobbant hert.

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1591.  Shaks., Ven. & Ad., 1186. My throbbing hart shall rock thee day and night.

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1676.  Wiseman, Chirurg. Treat., V. ii. 355. A throbbing pain in his Wound.

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1746–7.  Hervey, Medit. (1818), 152. When violent and barbarous blows … fixed every thorn deep in his throbbing temples.

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1876.  T. Hardy, Ethelberta (1890), 155. Ethelberta … was brimming with compassion for the throbbing girl so nearly related to her.

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1898.  Allbutt’s Syst. Med., V. 577. Slight periodic throbbing pains in the joints.

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  b.  transf. and fig.

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1633.  G. Herbert, Temple, Storm, ii. A throbbing conscience spurred by remorse Hath a strange force.

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1746–7.  Hervey, Medit. (1818), 24. Adapted to soothe the throbbing anguish of the mourners.

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1847.  Emerson, Dæmonic Love. The throbbing sea, the quaking earth.

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1864.  W. Cory, Lett. & Jrnls. (1897), 140. The throbbing scarlet of the geraniums.

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1890.  ‘R. Boldrewood,’ Col. Reformer (1891), 154. A stately ocean steamer, with throbbing screw…, left a long line of smoke trailing behind her.

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  Hence Throbbingly adv., in a throbbing manner; with throbbing; with heart beating strongly.

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a. 1693.  Urquhart’s Rabelais, III. xlviii. 389. Nor was the rapt of Polyxena more throbbingly resented.

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1871.  Daily News, 14 Sept. The gunners on foot could not keep up with their pieces, and panted throbbingly after them.

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1885.  G. Meredith, Diana of the Crossways, II. xiii. 334. Letters, formally worded … but throbbingly full.

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