[f. QUEST v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the vb. in various senses.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, I. xix. The noyse was … lyke vnto the questyng of xxx coupyl houndes.
1540–1. Elyot, Image Gov., Pref. (1556), 10. After two or three questynges, he lept to the great Olyphante.
1603. Florio, Montaigne, II. xi. (1632), 238. A long questing and beating for some game.
1700. Jer. Collier, 2nd Def. Short View, 118. All this Questing has sprung but very little Game.
1824. Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. I. (1863), 109. Nothing is more certain than Dash’s questing,… for a better spaniel never went into the field.
1839. Bailey, Festus, vi. (1848), 63. Must thou still Revel in bootless questings?
