[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That festers, in senses of the vb.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., I. x. 25.
| Inward corruption, and infected sin, | |
| Not purg’d nor heald, behind remained still, | |
| And festring sore did rankle yet within. |
1654. E. Johnson, Wond.-wrkg. Provid., iii. 5. Heale not lightly the wounds that Wolves make, lest from their festering Teeth a Gangrin grow.
1704. J. Trapp, Abra-Mulé, IV. i. 1707.
| While my Rage was hot, | |
| I was insensible of my Misfortunes; | |
| But now I’m cool, my festring Sorrows smart, | |
| And I’m relaps’d into a Coward. |
1843. Carlyle, Past. & Pr. (1858), 224. Draining-off the sour festering water, gradually from the root of the remotest grass-blade; making, instead of pestilential swamp, a green fruitful meadow with its clear-flowing stream.
1884. Bible (R.V.), Isa. i. 6. Wounds, and bruises, and festering sores.
