Forms: see TOUCH v. [f. as prec. + -ING2.] That touches: in various senses of the verb.
1. lit.: chiefly of things: Coming into, or being in contact.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 113. Because this touching draught is more broken in some, and more tight in others.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., s.v. Riding-part, The joint part of a scissors-blade which forms the touching portion back of the rivet.
2. fig. That touches the feelings or emotions; such as to excite tender feeling or sympathy; affecting, pathetic. (The usual sense.)
In quot. 1508, ? ‘sharp,’ satirical or reproachful.
1508. Dunbar, Tua Mariit Wemen, 303. I wald ryght tuichand in talk be.
1601. Shaks., Jul. C., IV. iii. 151. O insupportable, and touching losse!
1742. Young, Nt. Th., III. 240. If not forgot my touching tale.
1823. Scott, Peveril, xiii. So touching, also, in her simplicity and purity of thought.
1870. Huxley, Lay Serm., iii. (1874), 30. A touching faith in the efficacy of acts of parliament.
