vbl. sb. [f. CELEBRATE v. + -ING1.] a. Observing with due ceremony, solemn observance. b. Praising or extolling.
1591. Percivall, Sp. Dict., Celebracion, celebrating.
1611. Bible, 2 Macc. v. 26. Hee slewe all them that were gone to the celebrating of the Sabbath.
1667. Pepys, Diary (1879), VI. 108. In excuse for my silence in the celebrating your mastery shown in the design and draught.
1671. L. Addison, West Barbary, 93, in Southey, Comm.-pl. Bk., Ser. II. (1849), 96. They … divine of the successe of their tillage from … the due celebrating of their [Easter].
