likingn.1
/ˈlʌɪkɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > [noun] > action or fact of giving pleasure
likingeOE
paying1340
well-pleasinga1382
thankfulness1500
pleasuringc1565
gratification1598
pleasing1895
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > [noun] > appeasing, pacifying, or propitiating
likingeOE
queemingeOE
mitigationa1382
pleasinga1382
propitiationa1425
appeasement1430
pacification1437
appeasingc1522
reconcilement1581
placation1589
reflection1607
modificationa1641
commodation1643
pacation1658
conciliation1775
making-up1816
mollification1886
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) xix. 147 Wel gedafonað ðætte ða godan recceras wilnigen ðæt hie monnum licigen, forðæm ðætte ðurh ða licunga hi mægen gedon ðætte hiera Dryhten licige ðæm folce.
lOE Canterbury Psalter xlviii. 8 Frater non redemit redemit homo non dabit deo placationem suam : broðor ne ælisede ælisede mon ne seleð gode gecwemnesse uel licungæ his.
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 560 Þat beoþ alle þat..al hare þouȝt and dede to Ihesu cristes likyng wende.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 7737 Bot if thi good suffise Unto the liking of thi wille, Withdrawh thi lust and hold the stille, And be to thi good sufficant.
2.
a. Pleasure, enjoyment; an instance of this. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [noun]
likingeOE
titillationc1450
enjoying1536
enjoyment1553
enjoy1589
taste1604
enjoyance1632
adlubescence1656
gratification1712
ooh-la-la1952
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [noun] > source or instance of sensuous pleasure
likingeOE
feasta1393
sensualityc1425
contentation1569
contentment1579
sugar candy1591
content1594
sugar-plum1608
contentingc1620
gratification1711
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) xli. 303 Ðætte hie for ðære licunga ðære heringe & ðære olicunga ðe hie lufigeað eac geðafigen ða tælinge..ðe hie onscuniað.
a1225 ( Rule St. Benet (Winteney) (1888) vii. 41 Na for hellewites eȝe, ac for Cristes lufe & for þare sylfre goddere ȝewunsumnesse & þæwæne licunge [L. delectatione].
a1225 MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 69 On oðer wise ic habbe ifunde hu me mei in sunne bon ibunde; þet forme is to beon underling and þet oðer is liking.
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 76 Ha..habbeð mare delit þrin þen ei oðer habbe i licunge [a1250 Titus likinge] of þe worlt.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 86 & to wenden us fromward þe licunge. þet flesches lust askeð.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2023 Sche miȝt lede hire lif in liking & murþe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 28080 In vayn glory haue i libyng [perh. read likyng].
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 956 We lachen likinge ynow of þe loft-briddus.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 226 Fredome mays man to haiff liking.
1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) ii. sig. Aiiv/2 This likynge is more delectable to the body & soule than all the myrthe & likyng that all the worlde myghte gyue.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. cvi The lordis on the to[th]ir side for liking thay leugh.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. lxxxv And sought..for the delicacie of viandes: well was that man rewarded that could bryng any thyng of likyng or pleasure.
1595 T. W. tr. P. Leroy et al. Pleasant Satyre 197 This worthy worke, that hath giuen so great pleasure, contentment, and liking, to all good and honest people.
1655 tr. H. Niclaes Figure True & Spiritual Tabernacle To Rdr. sig. A5v Neither the good willing Reader, nor any one else, will..take offence at the muchness or plenty of writing that is used before the beginning of the Book; but..take a greater pleasure and liking therein, then if we had left out the same.
1663 J. Stillingfleet Shecinah xii. 174 The Spirit of God, takes no liking, or pleasure, in such impure houses.
1940 H. Y. Lowe Adventures of Wu I. 2 Scholars of the type of Mr. Wu take great liking in such clever poetizing of things geographic.
b. Sexual desire, lust (chiefly with negative connotations). Also more fully flesh's or fleshly liking. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual desire > [noun]
willOE
loveOE
likinga1200
jollityc1330
desirec1340
fire1340
naturec1387
ragea1425
pride1486
lovered1487
Venus1513
courage1541
passion1648
lusting1760
philogenitiveness1815
body-urge1930
hots1940
hard-on1949
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 29 (MED) On is þe defles tuihting..þat oðer is mannes licunge..þe egginge and þe likinge him bringeð in to helle pine.
a1250 Ureisun ure Louerde (Lamb.) in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 189 Þi deaþ adeadi in me flehces licunge.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 269 (MED) Hij..Þat wolden her god forsake Þurw sinne of fleshes liking.
c1390 (?c1350) St. Augustine l. 1768 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 92 (MED) Lvst also and dilytinge Of fleschlich likyng or tastinge He forsok.
c1450 in F. J. Furnivall Hymns to Virgin & Christ (1867) 92 For likinge blindiþ many oon.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xiii. §1. 47 All the lust and lykynge of thaire flesch and this warld.
?1531 R. Whitford tr. Folowing of Christe iii. xxxix. f. cviv They that folowe the lorde..by perfyte mortifieng of their flesshely lustes, be knowen to be very wyse, for they be led fro vanyte to trouth, and fro flesshely lykynge to spirituall clennes.
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 269 A man shall knowe when they fall to lyking and laying, by this.
1661 R. Hodden One Good Way of God 31 The outward eye of fleshly love and worldly liking was opened in him.
a1711 T. Ken Edmund iv, in Wks. (1721) II. 96 To Sensuality his Flesh propends, Propension up to Liking straight ascends.
1835 J. MacDonald Diary 23 June in W. K. Tweedie Life J. Macdonald (1849) 249 My fleshly likings in this place have been wonderfully taken off.
1908 M. Gaster tr. Secretum Secretorum in Jrnl. Royal Asiatic Soc. Jan. 156 Eat only cold food..and do not indulge in fleshly liking.
1962 W. H. Auden & E. Mayer tr. J. W. von Goethe Ital. Journey (1970) ii. 203 She made great play with the expressions ‘a liking for flesh’ and ‘a fleshly liking’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [noun]
ferec1175
statea1325
casec1325
likingc1330
plighta1393
dispositionc1400
health1509
disease1526
affection?1541
affect1605
valetude1623
tift1717
situation1749
condition1798
fix1816
shape1865
fig1883
the world > health and disease > [adverb] > healthily > in good health
in good liking1611
in good (also bad) looks1695
(to be) in flesh1707
bloomingly1831
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1279 So gode likeing he fand Þat hole he was and fere.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 46 If contrey men in likyng hele endure.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) l. 6760 All pale and wanne, owt of likeng he was.
1539 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus Prouerbes sig. A.vijv Thys oughte not to seme any maruayle..yf he were in better lykynge than hys horse.
1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health i. 2 These..labours..do make a good state or liking of the body.
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. H I haue one sheepe in my folde thats quite out of liking.
1592 E. Smyth tr. J. de L'Espine Disc. touching Tranquilitie vi. f. 123v If a master findeth his horse leane, and in euill liking, he blameth no man but the keeper.
1611 Bible (King James) Job xxxix. 4 Their yong ones are in good liking . View more context for this quotation
1662 L. Mascall Bk. Cattell 16 Which will cause the beast to become lean and of ill liking.
1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved ii. 14 They have been observed to eat plentifully and not become fatter or in better liking.
a1774 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued (1777) III. iv. 311 It is not enough to consult the present ease..of the child, to keep it plump in good liking.
1826 J. M. Good Bk. Nature III. vii. 213 The listless and idle..may..look fat and in good liking, but this is not happiness.
1848 S. W. Williams Middle Kingdom I. v. 219 The buffalo is used more than the ox.., and the habits of this animal make it cheaper to keep him in good liking.
1917 Living Age 6 Jan. 406/2 I observed that she was richly dressed and in better liking than when she left my house.
4.
a. The condition of being fond of or not averse to a person or thing; favourable regard; fancy for or inclination to an object; fondness, affection.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > [noun]
loveeOE
well-likinglOE
favoura1340
liking1340
greea1400
study?c1400
benevolence1423
lustc1430
carec1540
goût1586
like1589
infection1600
predilection1626
notion1789
grá1833
shindy1855
hard-on1949
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 23 Þe uifte boȝ of prede is ydele blisse þet is fole likinge of fole heryinge.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. i. l. 27 Lot..for lyking of drinke, Dude bi his douhtren þat þe deuel louede.
c1440 (a1400) Sir Eglamour (Thornton) (1965) l. 1326 (MED) Sir Eglamour prayed þe kynges three In Artasse at his weddynge to be, His lykynge for to haue.
1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) xviii. lxxxvii. sig. ffv/1 Hogges bothe male & female haue lykynge to ete Akernes for it tempreth theyr flesshe.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xii. sig. Oo3 She..did great liking sheowe, Great liking vnto many, but true loue to feowe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 26 Is it possible..you should fall into so strong a liking with old Sir Roulands yongest sonne? View more context for this quotation
a1639 D. Digges Compl. Ambassador (1655) 50 I heare secretly that there is not the best liking between the two Queens.
1701 C. Cibber Love makes Man Epil. And know, that while the liking Fit has seis'd you, She cannot Look, he Write too ill to Please you.
1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 271 For the improvement of their Manufactures, and..bringing the Europeans to the greater Liking of them.
1825 R. Heber Jrnl. 22 Jan. in Narr. Journey Upper Provinces India (1828) I. 615 I have no liking for all this train.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda II. iv. xxxii. 313 Friendships begin with liking or gratitude.
1913 J. F. M. H. Stone Caravanning & Camping-out xiv. 125 The tent I have the most liking for..is the type known as ‘ridge tent’.
2013 Daily Tel. 26 Nov. 35/1 When it comes to human-like robots... Our liking turns to revulsion.
b. A feeling of regard or affection for something or someone; a fondness, taste, or preference. Also with for or to (see also to take a liking to at Phrases 5).
ΚΠ
1570 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Lekprevik) viii. 1411 To tak ane lyking [the MS. has lak] and syne get na plesance, Sic lufe as that is nathing to avance.
1603 S. Daniel Def. Ryme in Panegyrike sig. H6v There is no right in these things that are continually in a wandring motion, carried with the violence of our vncertaine likings.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 22 They who have a liking to that sort of Compositions, may have recourse to Dornavius.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. xxxviii. 194 Our likings, and dislikings..are seldom governed by prudence.
1835 D. Wordsworth Loving & Liking in W. Wordsworth Coll. Poems (1994) 143/2 Likings come, and pass away; 'Tis love that remains till our latest day.
1873 R. Browning Red Cotton Night-cap Country i. 52 At a time of life when youth, Nigh on departure, bids mid-age discard Life's other loves and likings.
1910 Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 31 215 He has a liking for paraphrase and perissology.
1964 E. Bowen Little Girls i. iii. 28 The decor nicely estimated the patrons' likings; tables low, chairs sympathetic and carpet costly.
2005 Daily Tel. 15 Mar. 21/1 Lady Strange wore her hair pinned up in a loose bun and had a liking for frilly shirts and voluminous, floaty dresses.
5. Wish, desire, inclination. Also in free liking: free will, choice, or preference. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > [noun]
willeOE
hearteOE
i-willc888
self-willeOE
intent?c1225
device1303
couragec1320
talentc1325
greec1330
voluntyc1330
fantasyc1374
likinga1375
disposingc1380
pleasancea1382
affectionc1390
wish1390
disposition1393
affecta1398
likea1400
lista1400
pleasingc1400
emplesance1424
pleasurec1425
well-willingc1443
notiona1450
mindc1450
fancy1465
empleseur1473
hest?a1513
plighta1535
inclination1541
cue1567
month's mind1580
disposedness1583
leaning1587
humour1595
wouldings1613
beneplacit1643
wouldingness1645
vergency1649
bene-placiture1662
good liking1690
draught1758
tida1774
inkling1787
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2225 (MED) Our lord, ȝif his liking be, oure liues now saue!
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Pardoner's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) Prol. l. 127 Youre likyng is þt I shal telle a tale.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 1975 I wole ben hool at youre devis Forto fulfille youre lykyng.
c1426 J. Audelay Poems (1931) 116 Moch froyt þer was here face before, To ete þer-of was here lykyng.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 48 With þe helpe of god þay all shall be subgitȝ to þy likynges.
a1592 R. Greene Frier Bacon (1594) sig. G I leaue thee to thine own liking.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. v. 54 The King had married him Against his liking . View more context for this quotation
a1640 T. Risdon Chorogr. Surv. Devon (1811) (modernized text) §12 23 This I leave to the liking of others.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxii. 290 Of all Men he is the least to follow his own Liking.
1794 J. Sinclair Statist. Acct. Scotl. XII. 615 It was the custom for the unmarried persons of both sexes to choose a companion, according to their liking, with whom they were to live.
1840 C. Norton Dream 85 He could have loved her—fervently and well; But still the cold world, with its false allure, Bound his free liking in an icy spell.
1859 J. S. Mill On Liberty i. 15 No one, indeed, acknowledges to himself that his standard of judgment is his own liking.
1904 G. Thibaut tr. Rāmānuja in Bādarāyana Vedânta-sûtras III. 693 He who possesses the knowledge of Brahman may, according to his liking, give up the state of a householder.
1985 Hist. Today Feb. 5/2 The Tsar made it a rule that no young couple should be married without their own free liking.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > loved one > [noun]
darlingc888
the apple of a person's eyeeOE
lief971
light of one's eye(s)OE
lovedOE
my lifelOE
lovec1225
druta1240
chere1297
sweetc1330
popelotc1390
likinga1393
oninga1400
onlepya1400
belovedc1430
well-beloved1447
heart-rootc1460
deara1500
delicate1531
belove1534
leefkyn1540
one and only1551
fondling1580
dearing1601
precious1602
loveling1606
dotey1663
lovee1753
passion1783
mavourneen1800
dote1809
treasure1844
seraph1853
sloe1884
darlint1888
asthore1894
darl1930
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 649 (MED) He hath withinne his hous, As for the likynge of his lif, The faire Venus to his wif.
c1450 in R. L. Greene Early Eng. Carols (1935) 98 (MED) Lullay, myn lykyng, my dere sone, myn swetyng.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 496 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 110 I sall followe ye in faith..my lyking yow art.
1568 Christis Kirk on Grene in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1928) II. 265 Thy wyffis come furth wt cryis and clappis Lo quhair my lyking liggis q thay.
1608 J. Day Law-trickes sig. D3v My loue, my liking, and a second me, I loue to rellish sweet varietie.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 587 In the amorous Net Fast caught, they lik'd, and each his liking chose. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > [noun]
willOE
allowancec1400
acceptationa1425
allowing1435
approof1439
approving1523
comprobation1529
owning1535
approbation1548
good liking?1560
suffrage1563
acceptance1569
liking1569
pleasure1569
allowment1570
approvance1592
probatum1606
approvement1615
sufferage1622
the light of a person's countenance1649
reception1660
receivedness1661
imprimatur1672
approval1690
sanction1738
go-down1753
rubber stamping1920
1569 J. Leslie Def. Honour Marie Quene of Scotl. i. f. 26 Of one hundred Erles, busshopps, and lordes, and more that haue voice in parliamente, wherof all or the more parte of them shoulde have an agremente, likinge, and consente, as to all other, so to theis publike doinges also.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 70 Both partes in the cittie haue geuen their consent and liking to him alone, and none other to be their King.
1607 Statutes in M. H. Peacock Hist. Free Gram. School Wakefield (1892) 59 With the consent or likinge of the Scholemaster.
a1650 S. D'Ewes Jrnls. Parl. Queen Elizabeth anno 1593 (1682) 495/2 He moved further to know the resolution of the House, Whether it would please them to give liking to the said travel of the said Committees in the said Cause.
1734 Hist. Reg. No. 74. 167 Stanislaus had, in his Election..the Presence of all the Palatinates, Territories, and Districts,..who, after the usual Solemnities, elected him freely, and with full Liking.
Phrases
P1. to (also at, after, in) a person's liking and variants: suiting, or so as to suit, a person's tastes, preferences, or wishes.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > such as to please one [phrase]
to payc1300
to (also at, after, in) a person's likingc1330
to pleasure1439
to a person's zest1818
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 1788 (MED) Þer þai maden her dueling Long anouȝ to her likeing.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1026 William..layked þere at lyking al þe long daye.
c1390 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 497 Þouh he be nouȝt at þi lykynge, Þe prest þat schal þy masse synge, Þerfore lette þou nouht.
a1425 (a1400) Northern Pauline Epist. (1916) Eph. i. 9 (MED) He schulde make knowyn to vs þe sacrament of his wille after þe goode lykyng[L. bonum placitum] of hym þat he purposyde in hym.
1480 Cronicles Eng. (Caxton) ccxlvi. sig. u5 He..spared no thyng of his lustes ne desires, but accomplisshed them after his likynge.
1551 R. Crowley Pleasure & Payne sig. Biiv You..spent all at your owne lykynge In wantones and banketynge.
1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 6 He interpreteth it after his owne liking and priuat iudgement.
1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1401/2 Finding a place to his liking, he esconsed himselfe in despite of the Spaniards.
1623 J. Hagthorpe Visiones Rerum 49 The Chyurca..hath certaine lappets of skin vnder her belly, which she opens and shuts at her liking.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 138 Liberty to dispose of thy selfe to thine owne best liking.
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 228. ⁋7 A Gentleman, who would willingly marry, if he could find a Wife to his Liking.
1789 Glasse's Art of Cookery (new ed.) ii. 63 Season with pepper and salt to your liking.
1821 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto V cxviii. 194 She was..not shocked at tears, For women shed and use them at their liking.
1869 J. Eadie Comm. Epist. Gal. (ii. 7) 123 It might not be in all points to their perfect liking..but they could not set themselves against it.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 39/2 Many hours were spent placing the stones but..they were finally arranged to our liking.
1965 Current Anthropol. 6 103/1 I am..sorry that my definition of marriage does not satisfy him, though I did not expect that it would be to everybody's liking.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [adverb]
softOE
at likinga1398
commodiously1420
beinly?a1500
at home1531
in sufficiencec1550
softly1567
snugly1590
easefully1611
comfortably1634
cosily1721
lown1724
snug1766
lownly1788
tosh1808
comfily1917
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. cxcii. 1087 Þis tree is not at likynge [L. minus leta]..in mounteyns.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 560 Quhen men oucht at liking ar.
a1500 Sir Degrevant (Cambr.) (1949) l. 847 Þann durste I saffly syng Was neuer emporour ne kyng More at hys lykyng.
P3. in liking: in a condition of being liked or favoured; in favour. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > [noun] > fact of being to one's taste
in likingc1475
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 26 Þings were in desesse to him, þat now are in mikil leking.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 264 The greatest personages, helde Monkes, Friars, and Nonnes, in..veneration and liking.
1654 J. Reading Antidote against Anabaptism 56 The practice of infant-baptism..was in liking and use in Cyprians time.
1692 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 280 He..became Vicar of S. Andrews Church in the then factious town of Plymouth..where continuing in great liking among the godly party, did, for benefit and interest sake, side with the Presbyterians in the beginning of the most wicked rebellion raised by them.
1868 R. Buchanan Tragic Dramas I. 269 Things of sound Or shape, or taste, or smell, that others hold In liking, or in mere indifferency.
1907 L. R. Kelker Hist. Dauphin County III. 42e Mr. Kelker found opportunity to devote his attention to what he had ever held in liking—from childhood—early Pennsylvania history.
ΚΠ
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 218/1 The man [must] exhort the woman, and the woman the man, to be out of liking with themselues before God.
a1605 W. Haughton English-men for my Money (1616) sig. D2 Me thinks your best way were to ship your selfe for Stoad, and there to batter [sic] your selfe for a commodity; for I can tell you, you are here out of liking.
1613 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. (rev. ed.) iii. ix. 559 I wot not, whether it be without reason, I am so distasted and out of liking with the world, wherein I live and frequent.
1859 W. G. Simms Cassique of Kiawah xx. 189 Men who live, like me, all their lives in the woods, gits out of liking for what you call society.
1880 S. Lanier Sci. Eng. Verse xi. 295 Shakspere grew more and more out of liking with rhyme as he became older.
P5. to take a liking to and variants: to begin to like; to conceive a taste, preference, regard, or fondness for (someone or something).
ΚΠ
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. xxvii. sig. Ff7v Basilius..toke a good liking to him.
1630 M. Godwin tr. F. Godwin Ann. Eng. i. 121 Image 68 Cranmer..had taken a liking to a certaine maide.
1671 J. Dryden Evening's Love iv. 51 One of the Ladies in the Masque to night has taken a liking to you.
1715 A. Philips tr. Thousand & One Days III. sig. K The old Man took a liking to the two Sisters.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry I. i. 45 She seemed, on her part, to have taken a liking to a certain Mr. Jacko.
1842 F. Marryat Percival Keene II. ii. 129 As I had taken a liking to navigation, I now was employed daily in working sights.
1885 J. Ruskin Præterita (1890) II. x. 243 The young Macdonald..took a true liking to me.
1940 M. Hopper How to play Winning Checkers vii. 79 Some students may take a liking to the ‘Switcher’ opening.
1983 P. Gzowski Unbroken Line iii. 179 He took a liking to a colt out of the mare Fair Colleen.
2003 R. Lacey Street Bible 202 He makes us work our socks off just to hand it over to the ones he's taken a liking to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > on trial [phrase]
on (also upon) likinga1594
on promotion1852
on trial1888
a1594 R. Greenham Two Learned & Godly Serm. (1595) ii. sig. E4 If a man (being chyldlesse) do take vnto him some friendes chylde, to make him heyre of all his goodes, he wyll keepe him vpon lyking; if his manners be honest, he shalbe preferred, he may be set ouer all his familie, and yet afterward for some fact, be cast off.
1615 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 190 This lycence to continue noe longer then untill Michaelmas..but upon lykeinge.
1685 J. Dryden Threnodia Augustalis iv. 8 The Royal Soul..Came but a while on liking here.
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. viii. 10 Are you really bound Wife to him, or are you only upon liking?
1754 S. Johnson Life Cave in Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 56/1 He was recommended to a timber merchant at the Bank Side, and..was there on liking.
1812 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 33 25 He did not stay..the entire month, which he was to pass on liking.
1834 Autobiogr. Dissenting Minister 157 After spending a few months on liking, I was unanimously chosen.
1865 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend II. iv. iv. 191 He [sc. the waiter] is a very young man on liking, and we don't like him.
1905 N. Amer. Rev. Dec. 904 They sometimes had sent home from the dressmakers a number of dresses on liking.
P7. too —— for a person's liking: too —— to suit a person's tastes, preferences, or wishes.
ΚΠ
1654 W. Jenkyn Shock of Corn 46 Some will say... that I have in his commendation said too much, I confesse it too, but my meaning is, too much perhaps for their liking.
1689 E. Sadleyr tr. Intrigues of Love 42 Madam d'Gabrielle..found Madamoiselle d'Guise too handsome for her liking.
1751 S. Richardson Lett. & Passages restored from Clarissa 32 He was too boisterous a man for my liking.
1831 Spectator 29 Jan. 115/2 An overture of Marschner's was tried; but it was too drummy and trumpety for our liking.
1894 Davenport (Iowa) Tribune 17 Oct. The world finds her..a little too quiet and dignified for its liking.
1946 Times of India 5 July 10/2 Too many bombs are exploding in Cairo and Alexandria for their liking.
1978 G. B. Williams Pest Extermination Handbk. vi. 64 If the insect is large, or moving too much for her liking, she throws drops of unspun web on the insect.
2001 L. Rennison Knocked out by Nunga-nungas 150 I was a bit too close to Dave the Laugh for my liking.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† likingn.2
Obsolete.
1. Something that bears a resemblance or similarity to the specified thing; a likeness, an image.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [noun] > that which resembles something else
swilkc1175
anlike1340
liking1340
likeningc1350
semblancec1374
resemblancea1393
likenessa1400
semblablec1400
similitudinary?a1425
like1440
assemblable?1530
a horse of another (also the same, etc.) colour1530
resembler1570
fellowa1616
remonstrance1640
simile1743
ditto1776
something of the sort1839
that or this sort of thing1848
assimilate1935
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 46 Þe likinges [Fr. figures] and þe ymaginacions of zenne.
2. in liking: likely to do something. Cf. like v.2 4.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > probability, likelihood > [adjective] > likely to be or do
belike1550
probable1583
in liking1601
like1757
1601 J. Harington Let. 9 Oct. in Nugæ Antiquæ (1769) I. 47 I am in liking to get Erasmus for your entertainmente.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
† likingadj.1
Obsolete.
1.
a. That is pleasing or likeable; pleasant, agreeable, attractive. Also (of food): tasty, delicious. Frequently with to.In Old English with dative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > savouriness > [adjective]
likingeOE
goodOE
lickerousc1275
deliciousa1325
daintya1382
dainteousc1386
daintiful1393
delicatea1398
merrya1398
savourlyc1400
liciousc1420
savourousa1425
daintethc1430
lustyc1430
feelsomea1450
nuttya1450
seasonablea1475
delicativec1475
unctuous1495
well-tasteda1500
daintive1526
savoury1533
exquisite1561
spicy1562
well-relished?1575
finger-licking1584
toothsome1584
taste-pleasinga1586
daint1590
relishsome1593
lickerish1595
tastesome1598
friand1599
tooth-tempting1603
relishing1605
well-relishing1608
neat1609
hungry1611
palate-pleasing1611
tasteful1611
palatea1617
tastya1617
palatable1619
toothful1622
sipid1623
unsoured1626
famelic1631
tasteablea1641
piquant1645
sapid1646
saporousa1670
slape1671
palativea1682
flavorous1697
nice1709
well-flavoured1717
gusty1721
flavoury1727
fine-palated1735
unrepulsive1787
degustatory1824
zesty1826
peckish1845
mouth-watering1847
flavoursome1853
unreasty1853
unrancida1855
relishy1864
toothy1864
flavoured1867
tasty-looking1867
hungrifying1886
velvety1888
snappy1892
zippy1911
savoursome1922
delish1953
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > [adjective]
winsomea900
sweetc900
likingeOE
i-quemec950
lieflyOE
winlyOE
hereOE
thankfulc1000
merryOE
queemc1175
beina1200
willea1200
leesomec1200
savouryc1225
estea1250
i-wilc1275
winc1275
welcomea1300
doucea1350
well-pleasingc1350
acceptablea1382
pleasablea1382
pleasanta1382
pleaseda1382
acceptedc1384
amiablec1384
well-likinga1387
queemfulc1390
flattering1393
pleasinga1398
well-queeminga1400
comelyc1400
farrandc1400
greable1401
goodlyc1405
amicable?a1425
placablec1429
amene1433
winful1438
listyc1440
dulcet1445
agreeablec1450
favourousc1485
sweetly?a1500
pleasureful?c1502
dulcea1513
grate1523
prettya1529
plausible1541
jolly1549
dulcoratec1550
toothsome1551
pleasurable1557
tickling1558
suavec1560
amenous1567
odoriferous?1575
perfumed1580
glada1586
tickle1593
pleasurous1595
favoursome1601
dulcean1606
gratifying1611
Hyblaean1614
gratulatea1616
arrident1616
solacefula1618
pleasantable1619
placid1628
contentsome1632
sapid1640
canny1643
gustful1647
peramene1657
pergrateful1657
tastefula1659
complacent1660
placentiousa1661
gratifactorya1665
bland1667
suavious1669
palatable1683
placent1683
complaisant1710
nice1747
tasty1796
sweetsome1799
titbit1820
connate1836
cunning1843
mooi1850
gemütlich1852
sympathique1859
congenial1878
sympathetic1900
sipid1908
onkus1910
sympathisch1911
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [adjective] > delicious or tasty
likingeOE
deliciousa1325
liciousc1420
ambrosial?1578
finger-licking1584
toothsome1584
well1598
tastya1617
toothful1622
fine-palated1735
toothy1864
scrum1877
scrumptious1894
nummy1923
delish1953
shiok1978
bess2006
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) v. xiv. 436 Swa swiðe swa he for ðære utran geornfulnesse weoruldlicra dæda þam cynge wæs liciende [L. placens], swa swiðe he..him seolfum mislicade.
a1350 in K. Böddeker Altengl. Dichtungen (1878) 202 (MED) Al þat to fleyhs mai likyng be, al worldes blisse to leten, me graunte.
c1390 in J. Slater Early Scots Texts (Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of Edinb.) (1952) No. 20 He ys alsa mast lykand to the men of the land.
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 949 Summe þat longen to a lud of likinge smellus.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vi. l. 95 Him thow our-threw out off his likand rest.
?1536 Jack vp Lande sig. Biiiv In..delycious & lykinge fedinge..freres passen lordes.
1596 J. Norden Progr. Pietie f. 15 Graunt that I may..watchfully auoid what thou lothest, howsoeuer liking it be vnto me.
a1643 W. Cartwright Ordinary (1651) iii. i. 36 Thou art mine pleasure, by dame Venus brent; So fresh thou art, and therewith so lycand.
1679 J. Richardson Necessity Well Experienced Souldiery 7 The great Commendation that the Scripture gives of the Benjamites skill in slinging Stones at an haires breadth, sheweth that it is a thing very likeing to God.
1695 Family-dict., or Houshold Compan. at Andolians As it is more liking and savoury to your Pallate.
b. Of the wind: blowing from a favourable direction. Also (of luck): fortunate, good.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > [adjective] > advantageous or favourable
likinga1387
friendlya1398
sweetc1400
propice1443
favourablec1460
towardly1520
propitious1581
aspectful1611
auspiciousa1616
benigna1631
fautive1667
benevolenta1676
bright1684
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [adjective] > favourable (of wind)
fairlOE
likinga1387
menablea1393
goodc1425
merrya1571
furthering1599
foreright1605
following1839
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 237 (MED) Anon likynge wynd [L. ventum accommodum] filled the sailles.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 5360 (MED) Þat same day..Mare hap befell þaim..And a lykand chaunce.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. lxxijv The wynd to hym was likyng, wherby he sayled into Flaunders.
2. Full of good cheer; pleased, happy.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > [adjective] > pleased or filled with pleasure
pleaseda1382
likinga1387
agreed1417
pleasured1600
gratified1818
made-up1946
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 11 Þe elementes were cleer and likynge [?a1475 anon tr. ioyenge; L. læta].
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 248 (MED) Sir Cador..to þe kynge carppes, Lughe on hym luffly with lykande lates.
a1450 (a1400) Medit. Life & Passion of Christ (BL Add.) (1921) l. 165 (MED) Þe harpe..may no myrthes make To make oure herte lykyng and liȝt.
3.
a. In good condition, healthy; plump. Also with modifying adjective, as fair, evil, etc.: in a specified physical condition. Cf. well-liking adj. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > relating to state of health
likingc1390
in a‥style1772
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 145 He holdeþ wel betere with an hounde Þat is lykyng and Ioly, And of seknesse hol and sounde.
?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 7 It semeþ þe deuyl gedreþ siche lumpis of ȝonge men, fatte and lykynge and ydyl.
a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 8963 Thow wer to fat, and to lykynge.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Dan. i. B I am afrayed off my lorde the kynge,..lest he spye youre faces to be worse lykynge then the other spryngaldes of youre age.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 40 Euill lykand was the Kyng.
1640 G. Abbot Whole Bk. Iob Paraphr. (xxxiii. 25) 206 He grows revived, and becomes as fat and faire-liking as ever he was in his life.
1707 B. Jenks Glorious Victory of Chastity 17 But to be under the Circumstances of a Joseph; Young and Lusty, Fresh and fair Liking.
1847 Fraser's Mag. June 6447/2 The bason [sic]..was filled with ‘fair liking’ fish, pleasantly playing to and fro.
b. Of soil: rich.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [adjective] > fertile or rich
goodOE
fruitfula1300
gladc1420
unlean?1440
richa1522
batwell1534
battle?1542
luxuriant?c1550
yielding1556
gleby1566
yieldable1577
hearty1580
yieldy1598
liking1600
well-natured1600
lusty1601
growthsome1610
thankful1610
pregnant1615
in heart1626
grateful1832
fatty1855
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique ii. iii. 205 The best liking earth that is in time becommeth leane, and wasted by long and continuall occupation.
1656 P. Heylyn Surv. Estate France 7 The Countrey of Normandie is enriched with a fat and liking soil.
1699 Trip to Ireland 4 Yet is the Soil in many Parts fat, and liking, (as Dunghils are) and were it well husbanded, would yield a plentiful Encrease.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
† likingadj.2
Obsolete. rare.
Likely, probable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > probability, likelihood > [adjective]
likelya1400
seemlya1400
probable?a1425
allowablec1443
seeming?c1450
apt1528
topical1594
liking1611
suspicable1651
presumable1655
feasible1656
suspected1706
in the cards1764
on the cards1788
in the dice1844
liable1888
better-than-chance1964
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. xvii. 682/1 A liking report was brought to the towne, that Warwicke had prepared foure thousand valiant men.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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n.1eOE
n.21340adj.1eOEadj.21611