[f. TEAR v.1 + -ING1.]
1. The action of TEAR v.1, in various senses.
14[?]. Beryn, 644. The warrok … held hym right a square, by þat othir syde, As holsom was at that tyme, for tereing of his hyde.
1539. Tonstall, Serm. Palm Sund. (1823), 80. The tearynge of goddis name, and particular mention of all the woundes and peynes that Christe suffered for vs.
1768. Tucker, Lt. Nat. (1834), I. 640. Tearings of ravenous beasts, stings of venomous serpents.
1904. Benson, Challoners, ix. It … cut like a blunt knife with sawing and tearing.
2. The result of this action: a. A wound made by tearing. b. A fragment torn off.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 346. Their flesh also being eaten, doth quickly cure and heal the bitings or tearings of a ravenous Dog.
1891. E. Arnold, Lt. of World, IV. 193. Truth, Lord! but crumbs fall, and the dogs may eat The children’s tearings!
3. attrib. Tearing-machine: see quot.
1877. Knight, Dict. Mech., Tearing-machine, a machine for disintegrating woven fabric to make fiber for reworking.
