| 释义 |
▪ I. gruelling, vbl. n. colloq.|ˈgruːəlɪŋ|
[f. gruel v. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. gruel; ‘punishing’, defeat, esp. in an athletic contest.
1882Society 14 Oct. 22/2 After the consistent gruelling he received..it is very probable that he will run all the better for being a bit above himself. 1892H. Cox Coursing (Badm. Libr.) 19 Misterton had a rare gruelling in his first course, and was put out by Devastation next round.
▪ II. gruelling, ppl. a. colloq.|ˈgruːəlɪŋ|
[f. gruel v. + -ing2.]
That ‘gruels’; exhausting, ‘punishing’.
1852J. F. Bateman Aquatic Notes v. 70 Their rivals [in a boat-race]..were pulling a very quick and ‘gruelling’ stroke. 1891Sportsman 8 July 8/4 After a gruelling finish, Magdalen just struggled home by two feet amidst great excitement. 1894Sir J. D. Astley Fifty Years Life II. viii. 131 What gruelling courses I have seen on Snail Down.
Add: Hence ˈgruellingly adv.
1973in Webster's New Collegiate Dict. 1987Financial Times 7 Dec. 20/1 This gruellingly competitive industry. |