[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That feeds.
† 1. That nourishes; nutritious. Obs. exc. dial.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., II. ix. (1495), 37. This one mete … very fedynge is founden.
1651. in Hartlib’s Legacy (1655), 101. It [Lucern] is much more feeding than any other Hay.
1660. Sharrock, Vegetables, 136. For the generality of Plants, they are best improved by a fat, rich, deep, moist, and feeding Soil.
a. 1722. Lisle, Husb. (1757), 422. The feedingest ground makes the toughest timber.
1877. Holderness Gloss., s.v., ‘Whotmeeal’s a varry feedin thing.’
2. That is taking food; of an animal: Grazing.
a. 1861. Clough, Poems, Ite Domum Saturæ, 22.
| And doth he sometimes in his slumbering see | |
| The feeding kine, and doth he think of me. |
1879. R. Jefferies, Wild Life in a Southern County, 275. If you are walking past a feeding flock, the nearest rook to you will often exhibit a ridiculous indecision as to whether he shall fly or not.
1888. Daily News, 7 Sept., 5/2. Feeding trout generally keep within casting distance from the shore.
b. transf. Of a gale or storm: That increases gradually in violence, or in its effects. Sometimes hyphened. Also fig.
1641. R. Baillie, Lett. & Jrnls. (1846), I. 352. This is a feeding storme.
1819. Caled. Mercury 30 Dec. (Jam.). We had a pretty copious fall of snow. At one time everything seemed to portend what is called a feeding-storm.
1826. Scott, Jrnl. (1890), I. 76. This seems to be a feeding storm, coming on by little and little.
1828. Craven Dial., Feeding-storm, A continuance or succession of snow, daily feeding or adding to what is already on the ground.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 291. Feeding-gale.
† 3. That eats away; corrosive. Obs. rare.
1750. trans. Leonardus’ Mirr. Stones, 221. It cures feeding and malignant Ulcers, and assuages the Flux of the Eyes.
4. That keeps up the supply (of a river, machine, etc.).
1833. N. Arnott, Physics (ed. 5), II. 106. The feeding snows are more abundantly dissolved.
1835. Ure, Philos. Manuf., 154. Cardings introduced in pairs at the feeding rollers.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 291. Feeding-part of a tackle, that running through the sheaves, in opposition to the standing part.
