Obs. rare. [Implies a verb tiller, from TILLER sb.2 1 d: see -ING1.] The putting of a bow upon a tiller (TILLER sb.2 1 d) in order to stretch or bend it.
1545. Ascham, Toxoph. II. (Arb.), 114. I woulde desyre all bowyers to season theyr staues well, to woorke them and synke them well, to giue them heetes conuenient, and tyllerynges plentye. Ibid., 115. I suppose that nether ye bowe can be to good and chefe woode, nor yet to well seasoned or truly made, wyth hetynges and tillerynges.
1801. T. Roberts, Eng. Bowman, 295. Tillering, trying a bow by the tiller. Altering a bow by scraping it.
Tillering, vbl. sb.2 see after TILLER v.1
