[f. TEMPT v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb TEMPT; temptation; † trying (obs.).
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 7506. Ihesu … sagh weyl hys grete temptyng.
c. 1450. Mirour Saluacioun, 4054. The temptyngs of the werld ere many.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., I. ii. 55. I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience.
1628. Wither, Brit. Rememb., I. 709. He having meanes to doe His pleasure, and perhaps, strong temptings too.
1903. W. H. Gray, Div. Sheph., iv. 71. If others tempt us let us not yield to their temptings.
attrib. 1814. Byron, Lara, I. xviii. And this same impulse would, in tempting time, Mislead his spirit equally to crime.
