[f. BRANDISH v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of flourishing (weapons).
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 48. Brawndyschynge, vibracio.
1655. Theophania, 92. By the brandishing of their weapons in the air we knew the fight was not yet ended.
1821. Joanna Baillie, Metr. Leg., Wallace, xiv. With hopeful, wanton brandishing.
b. fig.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., IV. xvii. He who shall employ all the force of his Reason only in brandishing of Syllogisms.
1766. Fordyce, Serm. Yng. Wom. (ed. 4), I. v. 193. The brandishings of wit in the hand of ill-nature.
† 2. Flashing, coruscating. Obs.
1552. Huloet, Brandishinge, or glytteryng, coruscatio.
3. A corrupt form of BRATTISHING.
1846. Parker, Concise Gloss. Arch.; and in mod. Dicts.
