[f. CATCH v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb CATCH, in various senses.
1297. R. Glouc. (1724), 265. So muche vyss hii ssolde hym brynge, Þat ech man wondry ssal of so gret cacchynge.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 2281. Why couet we combraunse, or cachyng of harme?
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. xxxvii. 7. Craftines and hurtfull catchinges.
1653. Walton, Angler, ii. 48. The catching of a Trout.
1873. Black, Pr. Thule, xiv. 219. A quick catching of her breath.
b. spec. Twitching.
1744. Wall, in Phil. Trans., XLIII. 218. I found him delirious, with convulsive Catchings in the Tendons.
1758. J. S., Le Dran’s Observ. Surg. (1771), 302. Catchings and Cramps.
1771. Smollett, Humph. Cl. (1815), 199. Profound sleep, uninterrupted by any catching or convulsion.
1870. Bennett, Baby May, 13. Catchings up of legs and arms.
