[-ING1.]
1. The action of CONSIDER v.; consideration.
1483. Cath. Angl., 75. A Consederynge, consideracio.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., II. iv. 185. Many maz’d considerings, did throng And prest in.
1722. De Foe, Col. Jack (1840), 267. I took up a world of time in considering of this matter.
2. attrib. † Considering-glass = looking-glass.
1660. Wither (title), Speculum Speculativum, or a considering-glass, being an inspection into the present and late sad condition of these Nations.
1686. Horneck, Crucif. Jesus, xix. 555. Times of affliction are considering times.
b. esp. in considering-cap.
1605. Armin, Foole upon F. (1880), 40. The Cobler puts off his considering cap, why sir, sayes he, I sent them home but now.
1608. Day, Law Trickes, V. (1881), 81. Haue you put on your Considering Cap and bethought you?
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 116. Would men put on their considering caps (they might sooner put off their sick caps).
1766. Goody Two-Shoes, v. (1882), 115. The whole History of the Considering Cap.
1861. Dickens, Gt. Expect., xxxvii. I’ll put on my considering cap, and I think all you want to do may be done by degrees.
