subs. (old).—The act of parturition. Also, adj., parturient; or appertaining to parturition: as in GROANING-MALT (Scots’) = drink for a lying-in; GROANING-PAINS = the pangs of delivery; GROANING-WIFE = a woman ready to lie-in.
1594. NASHE, The Unfortunate Traveller (Chiswick Press, 1892), p. 92. As smoothe as a GROANING-WIVE’S bellie.
1596. SHAKESPEARE, Hamlet, iii. 2. It would cost you a GROANING to take off my edge.
1786. BURNS, The Rantin’ Dog the Daddie O’t. Wha will bring the GROANING-MALT?
