[f. ABASE v. + -ING1.] The action of lowering or depressing, a. physically. b. in mind or feeling. c. of debasing or depreciating the currency (obs.). Now mostly gerundial.
1555. Harpsfield, Divorce Hen. VIII. (1878), 298. The inestimable loss it [England] suffered by the decay and abasing of money.
1569. Grafton, Chron. Ed. VI., an. 5, 1315–6. At this tyme also the kinges maiestie, with the aduice of his priuye counsaile, did now purpose not onely the abacyng of the sayd copper moneys, but also ment wholly to reduce them into bollion.
1608. Hieron, Wks., I. 745/1. To the abasing & humbling of my hart.
1611. Bible, 2 Cor. xi. 7. Haue I committed an offence in abasing my selfe, that you might be exalted.
1625. Bacon, Essays, xxii. (1862), 92. This would be done, with a demure Abasing of your Eye … as the Iesuites also doe use.
1642. Rogers, Naaman, 30. Gods purpose towards him in this abasing of his stout heart.
