[f. WRITE v. + -ING1.]
I. 1. The action of one who writes, in various senses; the penning or forming of letters or words; the using of written characters for purposes of record, transmission of ideas, etc. Also with out.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 80. Of silence & of speche nis bute a lore; & forði, ine writunge, heo eorneð boðe togederes.
1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. III. 61. For-þi I lere ȝou, lordynges such writynge ȝe leue, To writen in Wyndouwes of ȝoure wel dedes. Ibid. (1377), B. XII. 84. Þe clergye … conforted þe womman. Holykirke knoweth þis þat crystes writyng saued.
1487–8. Rec. St. Mary at Hill, 132. For the wrytyng of the names of the ffounnderes.
1513. More, Rich. III., Wks. 56. For al ye time … could scant haue suffised vnto ye bare wryting alone.
1549. in Feuillerat, Revels Edw. VI. (1914), 42. To waplett the payntour … ffor the wryting of ix peces of Canvas.
1631. T. Powell, Tom All Trades (1876), 141. The Scriveners … had no imployment, but writing of blanke Bonds.
1671. Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.), I. 503. This way that I propose of the King’s writing himself, is the only way to effect it.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe, I. (Globe), 288. He directed me to send it with a Letter of his Writing.
1797. Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3), XVIII. 917/2. The bark of trees was also used for writing by the ancients.
1827. Faraday, Chem. Manip., xvi. 493. The diamond should be held in a vertical position during the writing.
1849. Mrs. Merrifield, Orig. Treat., I. p. xxix. The two branches were frequently practised by the same person, whence the term ‘writing’ … was applied to painting on glass, which was also called ‘writing on glass.’
1882. N. & Q., 30 Dec., 542/2. I believe Lancaster first suggested writing on sand with the finger.
1898. J. Taylor, trans. Kautzsch’s Hist. Lit. O. T., 10. The writing out of the products of those earlier days.
fig. 1532. More, Confut. Tindale, 413. He that hath yt [sc. faith] in his herte of goddes own wrytynge.
b. At this (present) writing, at the time of writing this. Also up to this (…) writing.
1718. Lady M. W. Montagu, Lett. to Mrs. Thistlethwayte, 4 Jan. I am, at this present writing, not very much turned for the recollection of what is diverting.
1832. J. P. Kennedy, Swallow B. (1860), 13. An account of all my doings up to this present writing.
1846. C. Mitchell, Newsp. Press Direct., 77. The critical (musical) department, is at ‘this present writing,’ to use an Irishism, nothing if not meagre.
1884. Cent. Mag., Jan., 433/2. It is at this writing given out that [etc.].
c. = TYPEWRITING vbl. sb.
1883. J. G. Petrie, Man. for Type-Writer, 5. While the writing is being done by the fingers of the right hand.
1899. Wardle, Univ. Typewriter Man., 10. It also keeps the paper in position for writing.
2. The art or practice of penmanship or handwriting.
c. 1440. Lydg., Hors, Shepe & G., 187. Yiff pennys & writyng were a-way, Off remembraunce we had lost the kay.
c. 1440. Jacob’s Well, 278. Johun enformyd hym in wrytyng, & in endyȝtyng.
1604. E. G[rimstone], D’Acosta’s Hist. Indies, I. xxv. 80. They having no vse of bookes, or writing.
1638. Junius, Paint. Ancients, 126. Before the invention of letters and writing.
1728. Chambers, Cycl. (1738), s.v., Writing is now chiefly practised among us by means of pen, ink, and paper.
1742. Fielding, J. Andrews, II. xvii. The poor people … bred their son to writing and accounts, and other learning.
1784. T. Astle (title), The Origin and Progress of Writing, as well hieroglyphic as elementary.
1828. Mirror, V. 75/1. The three R’s—Reading, Writing, and Rithmetic.
1892. Pop. Sci. Monthly, XLII. 244. Writing … is the art of fixing speech by conventional signs.
b. Style, form or method of fashioning letters or other conventional signs (esp. in handwriting or penmanship); the ‘hand’ of a particular person.
c. 1440. Jacob’s Well, 278. Þat þis voys, his wrytynge,… was lych þe voys, lyche þe hand,… of Johun his mayster.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 148/2. False wrytynge, plastographia.
1476. Acta Auditorum (1839), 42/1. It wes his awne propir hand and writting.
1560. Bible, Ezra (Genev.) iv. 7. The writing of the letter was the Aramites writing.
1590. P. Bales, Writing Schoolemaster, Q 2. The Arte and knowledge of faire writing.
1602. [J. Willis], Art Stenogr. (title-p.), A very easie direction for Steganographie, or Secret Writing.
1620, etc. [see SHORT-WRITING, SHORTHAND c].
1658. Phillips, Calligraphy, fair, or handsome writing.
1728. Chambers, Cycl. (1738), s.v. Gothic, Gothic character, or writing, is a character, or manner of writing, which [etc.].
1748. [see HIEROGLYPHICAL a. 1].
1784. T. Astle, Orig. & Progr. Writing, 7. This … produced a further change in writing.
1819. Shelley, Cenci, IV. iv. 95. Savella. Knowest thou this writing, Lady?… Lucretia. It should be Orsino’s hand!
1893. Stationer & Bookseller, 8 May, 10/1. Best finished round-hand writing.
1892. Zangwill, Bow Mystery, 80. The landlady knew his writing.
c. The occupation of a (professional) writer.
1594. Hist. Writers to Signet (1890), 330. To be suspendit fra all writting quhill the payment of the foirsaid pane.
1681. Sc. Acts (1820), VIII. 244/1. All writers to the Signet, All publict Notars and other persons imployed in writeing or Agenting.
3. The action of composing and committing to manuscript; expression of thoughts or ideas in written words; literary composition or production.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Prol., 326. Ther-to he koude endite and make a thyng, Ther koude no wight pynchen at his writyng.
1430–40. Lydg., Bochas, I. 2677. As the poete bi wrytyng techith vs.
1485. Caxton, Chas. Gt., 1. Al thynges that ben reduced by wrytyng ben wryton to our doctryne.
15[?]. in Dunbar’s Poems (S. T. S.), II. 311. Gif lytil rewarde be in wryting, Bettir war leif my paper quhyte.
1597–8. Bacon, Ess., Studies (Arb.), 10. Reading maketh a full man,… and writing an exacte man.
1639. Hamilton Papers (Camden), 8. Efter the wrytinge of this other the Lord Oboyne … delyuered me your Ma[jes]ties of the 13.
1664. Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. III. (1912), 213. Hee … is … not of parts for the writeing of such a Letter.
1759. Sterne, Tr. Shandy, II. xi. Writing is but a different name for conversation.
1835. Marryat, Olla Podr., xxx. Magazine writing … is the most difficult of all writing.
1885. ‘Mrs. Alexander,’ Valerie’s Fate, iii. Though all three … could talk French fast enough, the writing of it was another matter.
b. Style or manner of composition or literary expression.
1509. Hawes, Past. Pleas., XX. (Percy Soc.), 98. Besechyng you … to pardon me of my rude wrytyng, For, with woful herte was myne endytyng.
c. 1530. L. Cox, Rhet. (1899), 84. Doubtful wrytynge … is whan the wordes may be expounded dyuers wayes.
a. 1626. Bacon, Ch. Controv., Wks. 1879, I. 344. Bitter and earnest writing must not hastily be condemned.
1664. Dryden, Rival Ladies, Ep. Ded. Supposing our countrymen had not received this writing [of scenes in verse] till of late.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 409, ¶ 10. A finished Taste of good Writing.
1760. D. Webb, Inq. Beauties of Painting, vii. 199. As it is the character of fine writing, so it is of excellent painting, that the thoughts should be natural, not obvious; elegant, not remote.
1819. Keats, in Forman, Wks. (1883), III. 320. Fine writing is, next to fine doing, the top thing in the world.
1884. Church, Bacon, ix. 220. Easy and unstudied as his writing seems.
c. The composition of music.
1782. Burney, Hist. Music, 490. The most subtle and elaborate productions [sc. masses] that I have ever seen in this kind of writing.
1837. Penny Cycl., VIII. 109/1. The art of writing in parts.
1889. Prout, Harmony (ed. 3), 245. Four-part writing is justly considered the foundation of harmony.
d. With advs., as down, in, off. (Cf. 12 g.)
1897. Westm. Gaz., 28 Dec., 6/3. Some scheme for the writing down of capital. Ibid. (1900), 22 Nov., 9/2. [The] music-hall agents … said that due notice of ‘writing in’ was given.
1912. Times, 19 Dec., 18/5. The scheme provided for the writing off of capital liabilities.
† 4. Manner of setting down in written form; spelling, orthography. Obs.
1521. A. Barclay, Introd., A v b. Whiche is contrary bothe in the true wrytynge, & also to the true pronuncyacion of perfyte frenche.
1582. [see WRITING-MASTER].
c. 1620. A. Hume, Brit. Tongue (1865), 1. I … seeing sik uncertentie in our men’s wryting, as if a man wald indyte one letter to tuentie of our best wryteres, nae tuae … wald agree.
1636. B. Jonson, Eng. Gram., iii. The unsteadfastness of our tongue, or incertainty of our writing.
1728. Chambers, Cycl. (1738), s.v. Orthography, Attempts have been since made to reduce the writing to the pronunciation.
5. The state or condition of having been written or penned; written form. Freq. in writing.
See COMMIT v. 1 e, PUT v.1 16 b, REDUCE v. 15 b.
1425. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 268/2. Yeving in a Peedegree in writyng.
1462. Paston Lett., II. 122. Let them … send ther excuse to me in wrytyng.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., Pref. 2. Thei … commit to wrytinge, stories.
1611. Cotgr., Mettre par escrit, to … set downe in, commit vnto, writing.
1657. trans. Perkins’ Profit. Bk., vii. 179. Another will … by him put in writing.
1753. Act 26 Geo. II., c. 19 § 15. Which Examination the said Justices are hereby required to take down in Writing.
1831. Palgrave, Hist. Anglo-Saxons, vii. 151. Many matters now consigned to writing. Ibid., 152. Some little was reduced into writing.
1887. Birrell, Obiter Dicta, Ser. II. 42. The author’s agreement … is in writing.
II. 6. That which is in a written (now also typewritten) state or form; something penned or recorded; written information, composition or production; literary work or compilation.
† The or Sacred Writing (quots. 1340, 1797), Scripture.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 4671. Seynt Ysodre seyþ yn hys wrytyng, ‘Alle þo’ [etc.].
1340. Ayenb., 71. Zuyche byeþ þo ȝonges of helle ase þe writinge ous telþ.
1382. Wyclif, Dan. v. 7. Who euere shal reede this wrytyng.
c. 1444. Pecock, Donet, 156. Alle suche men … I remitte into þe writing and witnessing of seynt Austyn.
1451. Paston Lett., I. 208. The Shereffe … hath writyng from the Kyng that he shall make such a panell.
a. 1513. Fabyan, Chron., lxvi. (1811), 45. That sayinge disagreeth to the wrytynge of Eutropius.
1537. Coventry Leet Bk., 726. Which was latelie surrendered & given vpp by wrytyng to theme.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., II. vii. 64. A carrion death, Within whose emptie eye there is a written scroule; Ile reade the writing.
1611. Bible, 1 Esdras ii. 2. He made proclamation thorow al his kingdome, and also by writing.
1797. Monthly Mag., III. 529/1. A passage in sacred writing, where the Philistines … sent back the ark of God.
1808. W. Selwyn, Law Nisi Prius, II. 755. Neither the 4th nor 17th sections of this statute require, that the agent should be authorized by writing.
1837. Lockhart, Scott, xxvii. (1845), 256/1. He pointed out to me this hand which, like the writing on Belshazzar’s wall, disturbed his hour of hilarity.
1887. Cornh. Mag., Jan., 65. The laundress … denied all knowledge of the type-writer or the writing.
allusively. 1884. Rider Haggard, Dawn, xxii. Cut it down, and you will have no more writing upon your wall.
transf. 1894. H. Drummond, Ascent Man, 427. Nature is God’s writing, and can only tell the truth.
7. A written composition; freq. pl., the work or works of an author or group of authors; literary productions.
In frequent use from c. 1560.
1340. Ayenb., 46. Þis boc is more ymad uor þe leawede, þanne uor þe clerkes þet conneþ þe writinges.
1382. Wyclif, 2 Macc. ii. 1. It is founden in dyscryuyngis, or wrytyngis, of Jeremye, the prophete.
c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., I. xv. 81. Holi Writt in this wise takun, is not holier neither better than eny other writing is.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 38. That suche wrytynges be approued by … discrete goostly fathers.
1638. Junius, Paint. Ancients, 105. Famous men have studied to illustrate these Arts … by their writings and disputations.
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 4, ¶ 8. The present Writing is only to admonish the World.
a. 1720. Sewel, Hist. Quakers (1722), Pref. The said Bishop … hath obtained such an high Esteem by his Writings.
1818. Shelley, Julian & Maddalo, 340. If this sad writing thou shouldst ever see.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., vi. II. 108. The writings of the fathers.
1859. Jephson, Brittany, xiv. 233. A writing to the effect that … it [sc. a museum] was closed altogether.
b. The (sacred or holy) writings, the Scriptures.
1340. Ayenb., 13. Þanne þridde day…, uor to uoluelle þe writinges, he aros uram dyaþe to liue.
a. 1653. Binning, Wks. (1735), 20/2. The Hand of God must first write on their Heart, ere they understand the Writings of the Scriptures.
1663. Bp. Patrick, Parab. Pilgr. (1687), 327. The truth of the holy Writings.
1711. Felton, Dissert. Classics (1718), 94. The Sacred Writings, even in our Translation, preserve their Majesty.
1837. Penny Cycl., IX. 438/1. Mention is made of the use of signets in the sacred writings.
c. A musical composition.
1789. Burney, Hist. Mus., III. 197. It appears from the writings of this … exquisite harmonist, that he had … studied the greatest masters of his own time.
8. a. A written document, note, etc.; a letter or missive.
1456. Paston Lett., Suppl. (1901), 58. All though my wrytyngges put yow many tymes to gret labour.
1513. Q. Cath., in Ellis, Orig. Lett., Ser. I. I. 90. Came a Post from my lord Howard with a writing at length of every thing as it was.
1555. Instit. Gentl., L v. Ye childe brought the same wryghting to the handes of Mertia.
1629. Hobbes, Thucyd. (1822), 256. These were the contents of the writing.
1653. Milton, Hirelings, Wks. 1851, V. 353. Without another clear and express Donation, wherof they shew no Evidence or Writing.
1890. Girdlestone, Found. Bible, 21. There are frequent references in the Book of Ezra to writings, such as proclamations, genealogies, decrees, letters, copies.
b. A written paper or instrument, having force in law; a deed, bond, agreement, or the like; a document relative to a marriage contract or settlement.
In very frequent use from c. 1500.
1448. Shillingford, Lett. (Camden), 66. If any suche writyng were knowe and proved by my seide Lorde and the other arbitrous.
c. 1450. Godstow Reg., 530. Into witnesse they put to theire seales, euerych to others writyng.
1520. in Glasscock, Rec. St. Michael’s, Bp.’s Stortford (1882), 37. P[ai]d for makyng the wrytynges bytwene the parisshe and the belfounder.
1592–3. in Barfield, Thatcham (1901), II. 103. Pd. for two locks for the chest wher the wrightings are kept.
1631. Heywood, Fair Maid of West, III. i. 40. These writings are the evidence of Lands.
1668. Sedley, Mulberry Gard., II. ii. 27. You do not lay the necessity of marrying Home enough to her:… our Counsel [might] Have been drawing the Writings.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 231, ¶ 2. The Lawyers finished the Writings (in which … there was no Pin-Money) and they were married.
1754. J. Shebbeare, Matrimony (1766), I. 71. Perhaps your Lordship’s Writings [= property-deeds] are in the Hands of those two Fellows.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), I. 235. The Court ordered all deeds and writings … to be delivered up.
1840. Thackeray, Shabby-genteel Story, ix. No writings at all were made, and the ceremony merely read through.
1893. Sir J. W. Chitty, in Law Times Rep., LXVIII. 430/1. The statute … requires a deed in cases where formerly a mere writing would have sufficed.
† c. A writ of divorce, etc. Obs. rare.
1382. Wyclif, Col. ii. 14. Doynge awey that wryting of decree, or dom, that was aȝens ȝou.
1568. Bible (Bishops’), Matt. v. 31. Whosoeuer putteth away his wyfe, let hym geue her a wrytyng of diuorcement.
9. Wording or lettering scored, engraved or impressed on a surface; an inscription.
1382. Wyclif, Exod. xxxii. 16. The wrytyng forsothe of God was grauen in the tables.
1387. Trevisa, Higden, VII. 149. His epithaphy—þat is, writynge on his grave.
1388. Wyclif, Mark xii. 16. Brynge ȝe to me a peny…. Whos is this ymage, and the writyng?
1471. Caxton, Recuyell (Sommer), 397. He shewid the wrytyng that that other ymage helde.
1530. Palsgr., 675/1. There was a writynge upon his grave, but the weather hath put it out.
1560. Bible (Genev.), Ecclus. xlv. 11. Precious stones … set in golde … with a writing grauen after the nomber of the tribes of Israel.
1611. Bible, Exod. xxxix. 30. They made the plate … of pure gold, and wrote vpon it a writing, like to the engrauings of a signet.
1623. Cockeram, II., Writings on Tombes, epitaphes.
1706. [see WRITE v. 19].
1797. Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3), XVIII. 917/1. The most ancient remains of writing … are upon hard substances, such as stones and metals.
10. Words, letters, etc., embodied in written (or typewritten) form; written lettering.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 9294. He so moche sorow hadde, As hys wrytyng was alle to-fade.
1728. Chambers, Cycl. (1738), s.v., J. Ravenau … shews how to revive, and restore old writings almost effaced.
1787. Phil. Trans., LXXVII. 451. A new Method of recovering the Legibility of decayed Writings.
1834. Dickens, Sk. Boz, Boarding-ho., ii. The writing looked like a skein of thread in a tangle.
1884. Knight, Dict. Mech., Suppl. 957. For restoring faded writing. Brush it over with a solution of ammonium sulphide.
1899. Wardle, Univ. Typrewriter Man., 14. Regulating the width between the lines of writing.
11. Printing. (See NEWS sb. 5 b.)
III. attrib. and Comb. 12. a. Simple attrib., as writing chair, course, day, exercise, † glove, hand, lesson, night, terms, -time.
1483. Cath. Angl., 425/2. A wrytynge chare.
1582. Mulcaster, Elementarie (1925), 255. The platting of this my writing course.
1663. Wood, Life (O.H.S.), I. 501. A pair of writing gloves, 1s.
1675. Marvell, Corr., Wks. (Grosart), II. 450. Having been always on writing nights in an hurry.
1768. Goldsm., Good-n. Man, Epilogue. My writing days are over.
1788. Cowper, Wks. (1837), XV. 205. My writing-time is expended.
1805. Scott, Lett., in Lockhart (1837), II. ii. 44. I shall hold myself well paid on the writing hand.
1840. Dickens, Old C. Shop, iii. Preparations for giving Kit a writing lesson.
1857. W. Collins, Dead Secret, iv. The two were not … on speaking, or even on writing terms.
1875. Davidson, House Painting, 206. What is called the Script or writing character, the most elegant of all.
b. In sense ‘used for writing with,’ as writing apparatus, cane, fluid, implement, tool, wire, etc. Also WRITING-INK, -PEN.
Cf. OE. wríting-feþer ‘a pen.’
1585. Higins, Junius’ Nomencl., 7/2. Graphium, a writing wyer.
1606. Holland, Sueton., 261. The sharp point of a bodkin or writing steele.
1800. M. Koops, Hist. Acc. Ind. Paper, 37. Charta Augusta … being too thin for the writing-cane.
1809. Malkin, Gil Blas, VIII. vi. ¶ 1. That minister … made me take my writing apparatus.
1825. Scott, Talism., xxi. Give him writing-tools.
1840. Patents (1869), 56. Ink or writing fluids. Ibid. (1866), 388. Articles commonly called ‘writing’ or ‘library’ sets.
1873. W. Stokes, Rapid Writing, 78. The formidable iron Writing implement bearing the name of Style.
c. In names of devices for performing or executing writing, as writing automaton, -ball, † engine, machine, telegraph.
1695. Athenian Merc., 9 April. The Writing Engine, for taking several Copies of the same thing at once.
1705. J. Dunton, Life & Errors, 239. [Ridpath] invented The Polygraphy, or Writing Engin.
1799. Patents (1869), 8. A certain … writing and drawing machine. Ibid. (1819), 21. A machine … which I denominate the penographic or writing instrument.
1868. Chambers’s Jrnl., 136/2. [A] Writing-machine for the Blind.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2823/2. Writing-telegraph, one which sends autographic messages.
1888. Cassell’s Encycl. Dict., Writing-ball, an electric printing apparatus.
1904. Standen & Taylor, Typing, i. Manipulating the writing machine [= typewriter].
d. In sense ‘used or designed for writing upon,’ as writing cloth, material, slate, surface. Also WRITING-BOOK, -PAPER.
1800. M. Koops, Hist. Acc. Inv. Paper, 33. These writing-materials were not in general use.
1809. R. Langford, Introd. Trade, 63. 2 [Reams] Writing Royal.
1851. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 540. Dowse’s patent tracing and writing cloth.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2477/2. Table, a tablet … [or] writing-surface.
1888. Burgon, Lives 12 Gd. Men, II. v. 36. To get out his writing materials, and to scribble.
e. In sense ‘forming a support or surface for writing on,’ as writing ledge, slope. Also WRITING-BOARD, -DESK, -TABLE 3.
1855. Patents (1869), 179. [The cover] which forms the continuation of the writing slope.
1902. How to Make Things, 53/1. The construction of the writing ledge.
f. In sense ‘engaged for or employed in writing,’ as writing class, clerk, hand.
1815. Scott, Antiq., vi. My lawyer[’s] … writing-clerk (habited as a sharp-shooter) walked to and fro before his door.
1862. Catal. Internat. Exhib., Brit., II. No. 2867. Saving the cost of a writing clerk.
1896. J. K. Bangs, in Harper’s Mag., XCIII. 17. If he ever puts me into one of his books I’ll waylay him at night and amputate his writing-hand.
1899. Crockett, Kit Kennedy, 79. The writing-classes joggled each others’ arms and elbows.
g. With advs., as writing-off, -out. (Cf. 3 d.)
1901. Westm. Gaz., 28 June, 11/1. Its sister in misfortune … dare not face the writing-off stage yet. Ibid. (1904), 9 Feb., 4/2. The ‘writing-out’ process from which most popular authors suffer.
13. Special Combs.: writing booth † (a) Sc. a writing-chamber; (b) a booth or stall where writing is transacted; writing cabinet, an article of furniture in which a writing-desk is combined with drawers, shelves, and other facilities for writing; writing-case, a portable case for holding writing requisites, and providing a desk or surface to write upon; also Comb.; writing centre, a physical centre that controls the action of writing; writing-chamber, a room or chamber where writing is transacted; freq. pl., a lawyer’s offices; writing diamond, = DIAMOND sb. 4; † writing dust = writing sand; writing-frame, a frame with guides designed to help the blind in writing; writing hand, the peculiar position assumed by the hand in shaking palsy (Syd. Soc. Lex.); † writing house, a writing-chamber; writing-pad (see PAD sb.3 4); writing-room, a writing-chamber; † writing-sand, a kind of sand used to dry wet ink after writing; † writing-standish = STANDISH; † writing type, script type.
1597. Extr. Aberdeen Reg. (1848), II. 121. Ane hous … to be ane *vreting buyth to … thair servitour and clerk.
1609. in Hist. Writers to Signet (1890), p. xlvii. All wrytteris to the signet are … bothe … in the streittis and in thair wreitting boathe, to wear … a gowne.
1898. Wide World Mag., July, 448. Public writing booths in Barcelona.
1851. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 758. Monocleid *writing cabinet…. The whole of the drawers, closets, and partitions may be opened by one lock.
1853. Arab. Nts. (Rtldg.), 253. He drew from a little *writing-case … some paper, a cut cane, and an ink-horn.
1858. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., VII. iv. ad fin. Crown-Prince has given him in keeping a writing-case with private letters.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VII. 655. If the tumour should happen to produce complete destruction of the auditory nerve-centre … or the *writing centre.
1618. in Hist. Writers to Signet (1890), p. xliii. The *wryting chalmer of Adame Lawtie.
1708. J. Spottiswoode, Introd. Stile, Pref. I did draw out of my Collections I had made, while in a Writing-Chamber,… such [etc.].
1875. Scrivener, Lect. Text N. Test., 4. In the scriptorium or writing-chamber of their convents.
1827. Faraday, Chem. Manip., iii. 71. Fragments of diamond … set in handles … are called scratching or *writing diamonds.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 69. The shining or glassie powder … usually implyed in *writing dust.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2823. *Writing-frames for the blind.
1597. Extr. Aberdeen Reg. (1848), II. 153. The *wreitting hous for the clerk of this burght.
1598. Florio, Scrittoio,… a counting house or writing house.
1825. Fosbroke, Encycl. Antiq., 108. Monasteries had … Museums, Scriptoria, or *writing-rooms.
1850. Thackeray, Pendennis, i. The adjoining writing-room.
1750. Heath, Acc. Scilly, 57. [A bay] where the Beach … is covered with an exceeding fine *Writing Sand.
1803. Hatchett, in Phil. Trans., XCIII. 174. Fine white writing-sand.
1773. Boswell, Lett. to Johnson, 2 Dec. in Life. You may … have a little *writing-standish made of it.
1815. J. Scott, Vis. Paris, 313. *Writing types,… a kind of letter … much used in France.
