[f. TEEM v.1 + -ING1.] The action of TEEM v.1
† 1. The production or bringing forth of offspring; breeding; child-bearing. Also fig. Obs.
c. 1430. Hymns Virg., 4. Heil þat alle wommen on doon calle in temynge, whanne þei ben hard bistadde!
1540. Hyrde, trans. Vives’ Instr. Chr. Wom., II. ix. (1557), 104. Neyther it is conuenient to haue enuy at other for their beautie, or their welfare, or plentuous teming.
1549. Coverdale, etc., Erasm. Par. Rom., 10. Thoughe hymself was feble, and his wyfe lykewyse passed temyng.
1607. Markham, Caval., I. (1617), 50. The onely time of danger is at the first conception, and at the time of teaming.
1672. Marvell, Reh. Transp., I. 148. Mr. Bayes in the Preface of his Defence to excuse his long teeming before it were brought forth.
1705. Hickeringill, Priest-cr., III. Wks. 1716, III. 160. They were Twins … and if old Eve had miscarried of them at her first Teeming, I think it had been no great loss.
† b. contr. Offspring, produce, progeny. Obs.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 429. The Suns … that shined with gladding Influences, on worthy Teemings of a fruitfull Brain.
2. Abundant productiveness, fecundity, fertility, fruitfulness.
1856. Dove, Logic Chr. Faith, V. i. § 2. 279. The prolific teeming of the everbearing World.
1879. Times, 6 Sept. The rushing of water from the … rills keeps pace with the teeming of the earth and with the ripening of its fruits.
3. attrib. and Comb.: † teeming-date, teeming-time, breeding-time, reproductive period.
1593. Shaks., Rich. II., V. ii. 91. Is not my teeming date drunke vp with time?
a. 1700. Roxb. Ball. (1890), VII. 117. And Teeming-time we are loath to lose, and why should not Damsels go?
1737. Fielding, Tumble-down Dick, Wks. (1766), 251/1. What shall I do to get another son, For now, alas! my teeming-time is done?
