vbl. sb. [f. CHALK v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb CHALK.
1. The manuring of land with chalk.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 596. After the chalking of the Ground.
1875. Act 38 & 39 Vict., c. 92 § 5. An improvement comprised in either of the three classes following: chalking of land, clay-burning, claying of land.
2. Marking, drawing, writing, etc., with chalk; running up an account (at an alehouse, etc.); tracing out or designing.
1613. W. Browne, Brit. Past., I. iv. Let your steps be stitcht to wisdome’s chalking.
1638. Brathwait, Barnabees Jrnl., I. Till long chalking broke my credit.
1764. (title) Handmaid to the Arts, teaching … means of delineation by off-tracing, chalking, [etc.]
1851. Coal-trade Terms Northumbld. & Durham, 13. Chalking Deal, a flat board, upon which the craneman … keeps account of the work.
