[f. TOPPLE v. + -ING2.] That topples.
1. Overhanging or leaning as if about to fall.
1804. J. Grahame, Sabbath, 259. Back from the toppling edge his fancy shrinks.
1817. Byron, Manfred, I. ii. 74. Ye toppling crags of ice! Ye avalanches, whom a breath draws down.
1883. Symonds, Ital. Byways, v. 83. The storm-clouds … climbing the heavens with toppling castle towers and domes of alabaster.
2. Falling headlong (lit. and fig.).
1812. H. & J. Smith, Rej. Addr., Archit. Atoms, xvi. Jill … Head over heels begins his toppling track.
1884. Browning, Ferishtah, Pillar at Sebzevar, 14. Gain, to-day, Was toppling loss to-morrow.
