[f. LIGHTEN v.2 + -ING2.] That lightens, shines, flashes, etc.
1592. Constable, Poems (1859), 1. As my heart shall aye remaine A patient object to thy lightning eyes.
1594. R. Ashley, trans. Loys le Roy, 121. Alexander … who like a lightening thunder leaped into diuers parts.
1609. Daniel, Civ. Wars, VII. xciv. 197. This … Queene; Whose Victories … Haue but as onely lightning motions beene Before the ruine that ensu’d thereon. [Cf. LIGHTENING vbl. sb.2 b.]
1694. Salmon, Bate’s Dispens. (1713), 317/1. Aurum Fulminans: Lightning or Thundering Gold.
1877. L. Morris, Epic Hades, III. 48. As I went Across the lightening fields.
