[f. CON v.1 + -ING1.]
1. Obsolete form of CUNNING, q.v. (Cf. CON v.1)
2. Studying or learning, esp. by repetition; poring over, scanning, scrutinizing. See CON v.1 3.
[14[?]. Legenda Aurea, lf. 53, in Promp. Parv., 90. Connynge is of that thou haste lerned the memory or mynde and reteyneth that thou sholdest forgete.]
1670. Milton, Hist. Eng., Wks. 1738, II. 86. By his conning of Saxon Poems day and night.
1814. Wordsw., Excursion, VIII. 419. From infant-conning of the Christ-cross-row.
1840. Dickens, Old C. Shop, xxv. The hum of conning over lessons.
1885. Illust. Lond. News, 21 March, 307/1. Anxious conning of household bills.