[f. as prec. + -ING2.] Falling away from the faith, relapsing into sin, apostate; also lit. sliding or slipping back.
1611. Bible, Hosea iv. 16. Israel slideth backe, as a backsliding heifer.
1816. Scott, Old Mort., viii. A backsliding pastor, that has … forsaken the strict path.
1869. Phillips, Vesuv., iv. 131. Wading up the loose and backsliding slope.
Hence Backslidingness.
1864. in Webster.
