vbl. sb. [f. as prec.] The action or process of breaking into splinters. Also attrib.
1815. Scott, Guy M., x. A large fragment of the rock … had fallen without any great diminution by splintering.
1865. Kingsley, Herew., xv. What splintering of lances there will be about her!
1889. Welch, Text Bk. Naval Archit., vi. 89. On account of the splintering which would ensue should the unarmoured side be struck by shot.
attrib. 1846. Greener, Sci. Gunnery, 59. Their splintering powers are certainly very extensive indeed.
So Splintering ppl. a., that splinters; also of sound.
1828. J. M. Spearman, Brit. Gunner (ed. 2), 323. To produce the greatest damage to any splintering object.
1889. Conan Doyle, Micah Clarke, 292. A splintering crash from inside the Cathedral announced some fresh outrage.
