Obs. [Etymology unknown; the Ir. feadán pipe, whistle, has been suggested; but cf. FADE v.3] The name of a dance, app. Irish. ‘With a fading’ was the refrain of a popular song of an indecent character.
1611. Beaum. & Fl., Knt. Burning Pestle, III. v. I will have him dance Fading; Fading is a fine jig.
1611. Shaks., Wint. T., IV. iv. 195. He has the prettiest Loue-songs for Maids, so without bawdrie (which is strange,) with such delicate burthens of Dildo’s and Fadings.
1616. B. Jonson, Epigram xcvii.
| See you yond’ Motion? not the old fa-ding … | |
| But one more rare. |
1633. Shirley, Bird in a Cage, IV. i.
| Under her coats the Ball will be found, | |
| With a fading. |
1672. Jordan, Lond. Tri., 13. To the tune of—With a Fadding.
