[f. as prec. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the verb FOLLOW, in its various uses. Also with advs., as following up.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 27832 (Cott.).
| Þe first sin es o couaitise … cums … | |
| Fals foluing, fals wittnesing. |
1435. Misyn, Fire of Love, 66. In filoing of vertew.
1562. 39 Articles, No. 9. Originall sinne standeth not in the following of Adam.
a. 1649. Drumm. of Hawth., Hist. Jas. V., Wks. (1711), 107. That the Chace and following of Hereticks is more necessary than that of Infidels.
1801. Strutt, Sports & Past., I. i. 12–3. Queen Elizabeth was extremely fond of the chase, and very frequently indulged herself in following of the hounds.
1875. Whitney, Life Lang., viii. 143. Our tracing of the etymology of a word is the following-up of a series of acts of name-making, consisting chiefly in the new applications of old material—with the accompanying, but independent, changes of form.
2. concr. A body of followers, attendants, retainers or adherents; followers collectively.
c. 1450. Mirour Saluacioun, 1865. Abraham and his fylowing discomfit thaym be gods grace.
1695. Blair, in Blackmore’s Hist. Conspir. (1723), 117. He was a Man of great following and Interest in his Country.
1715. Wodrow Corr. (1843), II. 88. He reckons Mar’s following must decrease.
1816. Scott, Old Mort., xxvi. 191. The unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, who had by marriage a great interest, large estate, and a numerous following, as it was called, in the southern parts of that kingdom.
a. 1859. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., V. 110. Such a man, with a great name in the country and a strong following in Parliament, might exercise as much influence on the politics of England, and consequently of Europe, as any minister.
1889. Jessopp, Coming of Friars, i. 39. [They] had started lectures and secured a large following.
