vbl. sb. [f. APPLY v. + -ING1.] Application. (But now mostly gerundial.)
1. A putting into practical contact, into practice, into relation with specific cases.
1538. Starkey, England, 171. In the applying of the ground to the plowgh.
1607. Hieron, Wks., I. 451. Being, by the powerfull applying of the word, conuicted of sin.
1653. Gauden, Hierasp., 95. Proportionable applyings of all orderly and prudential means for union and communion.
2. Assiduous practice or attention; plying.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Clerks Possess., xxx. Wks. 1880, 134. To triste more in special preynge & appliynge of synful men.
1541. Hyrde, Vives’ Instr. Chr. Wom. (1592), B vij. The applying of their worke is bosted of.
1612. Brinsley, Lud. Lit., 302. Continuall applying brings learning, and the credit of a schoole.
