[f. as prec. + -ING2.]
1. Making, giving or constituting a reply or response.
1533. Frith (title), A Book … answering to M. More’s Letter.
1727. Pope, Dunc., IV. 437. And answering gin-shops sourer sighs return.
1801. Southey, Thalaba, V. xliii. In awe the youth received the answering voice.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 386. The boats which covered the Thames gave an answering cheer.
2. Corresponding, correspondent (to).
1801. Southey, Thalaba, XI. xxvii. Where the sceptre in the Idol’s hand Touch’d the Round Altar, in its answering realm, Earth felt the stroke.
1845. Trench, Huls. Lect., II. v. 223. The world’s expectation … has an answering fact.
1857. Buckle, Civiliz., I. ix. 569. The French have never had anything answering to our yeomanry.
