springingn.1
/ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/ I. With reference to energetic movement.† 2. The increase or waxing of the moon. Cf. spring n.1 18. Obsolete. rare.
1.
a. The first appearance of day, dawn, morning, etc. With of. Cf. spring v.1 10. Now rare (literary in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > day and night > day or daytime > dawn > [noun]
aristc825
dawingc900
dayeOE
day-rimOE
day-redOE
mornOE
lightOE
lightingOE
dawning1297
day-rowa1300
grekinga1300
uprista1300
dayninga1325
uprisingc1330
sun arisingc1350
springc1380
springingc1380
day-springa1382
morrowingc1384
dayingc1400
daylighta1425
upspring1471
aurora1483
sky1515
orienta1522
breaking of the day1523
daybreak1530
day-peep1530
morrow dayc1530
peep of the morning1530
prick of the day?1533
morning1535
day-breaking1565
creek1567
sunup1572
breach of the day1579
break of day or morn1584
peep of day1587
uprise1594
dawna1616
day-dawn1616
peep of dawn1751
strike of day1790
skreigh1802
sunbreak1822
day-daw1823
screech1829
dayclean1835
sun dawn1835
first light1838
morning-red1843
piccaninny sun1846
piccaninny daylightc1860
gloaming1873
glooming1877
sparrow-fart1886
crack1887
sun-spring1900
piccaninny dawn1936
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3562 Out ate ȝeate þey rydeþ ryȝt, In þe sprynggyng of þe day.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job iii. 9 The springing [a1425 Corpus Oxf. sprynge; L. ortum] of the risende morwetid.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 1197 (MED) The nyȝt ypassed; at springyng of þe day..þe larke..Gan to salue the lusty rowes rede Of Phebus char.
1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §62. m. 34 That..every artificer and laborer be at ther werke in the springing of the day.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 66 To knowe þe sterynge of þe firmament and þe firste risynge or spryngynge of þe signes.
1596 T. Lodge Diuel Coniured sig. Hiijv In the dawning and springing of the day birds begin to sing.
1679 W. Gearing Sacred Diary xvi. 19 (title) At the springing of the Day, or rising of the Sun.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels I. 25 The Springing of the Morning.
1850 T. T. Lynch Memorials Theophilus Trinal vii. 124 The springing of the dawn to-day is as fresh as when Eve went forth to her flowers.
2006 R. Gill Mastering Eng. Lit. (ed. 3) xvi. 177 The poet spontaneously utters a cry of wonder—‘Oh’—at the springing of morning in the east.
b. The beginning of the year; the season of spring. Also: the beginning of a particular season or era. Also figurative. Frequently in the springing of the year. Cf. spring n.1 16, spring n.1 17. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > [noun] > beginning or end of a period
terminusOE
springinga1398
topc1440
fresh1566
front1609
skirt1624
epoch1673
turn1697
terminus post quem1834
terminus ante quem1858
the world > time > period > year > season > [noun] > spring
LenteneOE
LentlOE
warea1300
verec1325
vera1382
vere-time1382
springing timea1387
springinga1398
springa1400
prime tempsa1425
the spring of the year1481
grass1485
springtime1495
prime time1503
sap-time?1523
spring tide1530
(the) spring of the leaf1538
prime1541
prime tide1549
voar1629
vernal season1644
vernal1654
outcome1672
Lent term1691
blossom-time1713
open water1759
rabi1783
budding-timea1807
ware-time1820
growing season1845
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. ii. 890 Trees þat needeþ to be sette beþ in spryngynge [emended in ed. to beþ moste sette in spryngynge tyme; v.r. springinge tyme; L. vere], and þat for temperate hete.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxiii. f. cliiiiv In the spryngynge of somer folowynge his Coronacion, Odo Byssop of Bayou,..come into Englande.
1530 W. Tyndale Pract. Prelates sig. Bviv The first springing of the empyre of Mahomete.
a1645 Sonnet in W. Strode Poet. Wks. (1907) 123 Mourne, mourne, yee lovers: sadly singing Love hath his Winter, and no springing.
1649 W. Cradock Divine Drops 45 God saith that grace is like the springing of the sea; or the springing of the yeer.
1755 J. Checkley Day of Darkness 11 Rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, are great smiles of providence; and when God gives both the former, and the latter rain in their season, blessing the springing of the year.
1847 A. J. W. Morrison tr. F. von Schlegel Philos. Life & Philos. Lang. x. 211 That intellectual superiority and civilisation which they owe to this springing of a new era.
c1890 S. Baring-Gould & H. F. Sheppard Songs & Ballads of West ii. 35 'Twas in the springing of the year, In eighteen hundred two.
1913 R. Frost Boy's Will (1915) 7 Keep us here All simply in the springing of the year.
2003 Stud. Eng. Lit. 1500–1900 43 672 It all seems to happen..faster than the imperceptible springing of the year could ever come over an observed landscape.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > moon > phase > [noun] > crescent moon > waxing
springc1440
springing?1440
increase1555
increment1610
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 218 In spryngynge of the mone [L. crescente luna] is best to sowe.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iii. l. 375 While the mone is in spryngyng.
3.
a. The action of leaping, bounding, or moving energetically; an instance of this. Also with up. Cf. spring v.1 8.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [noun]
leapingc1000
loupingc1440
loping1483
springing?1530
vaulting1531
saltion1541
jumping1565
exultation1599
bounding1607
exilition1646
saltation1646
salture1656
saliency1664
salitiona1682
upleaping1867
jumpery1882
?1530 tr. Compost of Ptholomeus xl. sig. n.iv They..shall greatly delyte in daunsynge, & in castynge of gamboudes, with lepynge and spryngynge [Fr. saulter].
c1590 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1866) IV. 199 And after supper they did make good sporte With dauncing and springing.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Grouillis,..the springing of a child in the wombe.
1706 J. Weaver tr. R. A. Feuillet Orchesography 16 The Springings which are made on both Feet, are mark'd upon the Positions.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued I. i. 60 So little an instant of time as between the discernment of the danger and springing up of the feet from the ground.
1831 T. L. Peacock Crotchet Castle xiii. 213 The solitary springing of a trout.
1898 T. Watts-Dunton Aylwin xv. 388 She recalled..my springing up and running to the mass of débris and looking round it.
1960 J. W. Beach Obsessive Images iii. 20 The crouching and springing of the beast.
2015 Argus (Nexis) 21 Oct. The energetic springing of the Chinese dancers.
b. With reference to an elastic body: the action of moving or changing shape suddenly and forcefully as a result of the application or release of pressure. Cf. spring n.1 25.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [noun] > return towards point of departure > bouncing or springing back
springing1665
whip1889
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 43 Sixthly, That the sudden flying asunder of the parts as soon as this Arch is any where disordered or broken, proceeds from the springing of the parts.
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. x. 187 The springing up of the Pole makes an intermission in the running about of the Work.
1712 H. Curzon Universal Libr. I. 124 Air forceably compressed in a Vessel, hath..power of springing back (which is called..Elastick Virtue).
1753 H. Baker Employment for Microscope ii. iii. 247 The oval Bodies are thrust out with some Degree of Violence by the springing back or Action of this Bowel.
1867 Trans. Inst. Naval Architects 8 137 The bolts which secure armour plates, although screwed up tight, may nevertheless, owing to the springing outward of portions of the plate when the plate is struck by shot at other parts, suffer a strain of impact.
1889 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 25 271 There being no pressure there is no danger of ‘springing’ when the clips are removed.
1922 Pop. Sci. Monthly Oct. 85/1 Iron diagonal braces are essential to prevent the springing of the work support.
1953 M. Rauscher Introd. Aeronaut. Dynamics ii. 76 The work done against the drag could be recovered fully if there were a perfectly elastic springing back of the air from the scoop chamber.
2015 A. S. Masten Ordinary Magic (new ed.) xii. 296 Resilience connotes the springing back of a rubber band..as well as the recovery of a person from shocks or setbacks.
4. The action of cracking or giving way.In early use with reference to parts of ships: cf. spring v.1 9b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > [noun]
breachOE
breakingc975
brusure1382
breaka1400
crasure1413
chininga1420
bursting1487
bruisinga1500
fraction?a1560
chinking1565
springingc1595
infraction1623
disruption1646
abruption1654
diruption1656
chapping1669
chopping1669
fracturea1676
rumple1746
breakage1775
disrupture1785
fracturing1830
disruptment1834
snapping1891
fractionation1926
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 54 When wee expected nothing less then..breakinge of shrowdes, spendinge of mastes, springinge of plankes.
1623 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1622–3 (1908) 228 Some soddaine leake by the springing of a butt head.
1805 Naval Chron. 13 344 The springing of her mast.
1874 Dental Cosmos Apr. 221 Had trouble for a time with springing and cracking of plaster models.
1920 Concrete (Detroit) Mar. 158/1 The sheathing and bracing should be so proportioned as to secure ample stiffness against springing.
2008 W. Squier in A. Busuttil & J. W. Keeling Paediatric Forensic Med. & Pathol. (ed. 2) ix. 176/1 Extradural haemorrhage..may result from the ‘springing’ of a suture.
5. The action of causing a bird to rise from cover. Now rare. Cf. spring v.1 14a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > [noun] > causing bird to rise
springing1616
walking up1893
walk-up1972
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) vii. xxii. 681 Hee [sc. the dog] shall..cast himselfe toppe ouer tayle backward, rather than by pressing forward an ynch endanger the springing of the game.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 108. ¶4 The springing of a Pheasant.
1835 J. P. Kennedy Horse Shoe Robinson (1852) xlviii. 503 The burst of gladsome riot with which a party of fox-hunters are wont to announce the first springing of their game.
1883 Cent. Mag. Aug. 402 Often, the best of markers will be baffled in finding the birds..after the springing of the covey.
1975 Country Life 6 Feb. 324/2 The springer..will help fill the game bag by the hunting and flushing—the springing—of game.
6. The action of causing a mine to explode. Chiefly with of. Also in figurative contexts. Cf. spring v.1 9c(a).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > use of mines and explosives > [noun] > laying of mines > causing mine to explode
firinga1525
springing1645
1645 J. Corbet Hist. Relation Mil. Govt. Gloucester 49 The enemy.., intending a battery there, upon the springing of their mine.
1665 T. Manley tr. H. Grotius De Rebus Belgicis 287 At the springing of that Mine, Bodies of Men might have been seen hovering piece-meal in the Air.
1709 London Gaz. No. 4544/2 The Governor..is said to have been killed by the springing of the great Mine.
1785 E. Burke Speech Nabob of Arcot's Private Debts 89 The assignees of his debt, who little expected the springing of this mine,..thought it best to take ground on the real state of the transaction.
1848 C. Dickens Dombey & Son lv. 545 The springing of his mine upon himself.
1882 W. G. Hamley Traseaden Hall II. 166 An important step..was the springing some heavily charged mines.
1916 Times 10 Apr. 7/3 M. Vincent described from personal experience at the front the nervous conditions arising from..the springing of a mine.
2009 J. F. Schmutz Battle of Crater vii. 107 It was time..to be ready for the pivotal event—the springing of the mine at 3:30 the next morning.
7. † b. The point of growth of a branch from the trunk of a tree. Obsolete.
a. Architecture. The point at which an arch or vault rises from a support or impost (impost n.2 1); the commencement of curvature in an arch. Cf. Compounds 1b, spring v.1 17.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > parts of
coin1350
pendant1359
voussoir1359
springer1435
spandrel1477
spring?1553
pitch1615
kneeler1617
gimmalsa1652
face1664
of the third point1672
turn1677
sweep1685
hance1700
skew-back1700
summering1700
springing1703
tympan1704
hip1726
reins1726
rib1726
third point1728
quoin1730
archivolt1731
opening1739
soffit1739
shoulder1744
extrados1772
intrados1772
haunch1793
arch-stone1828
twist1840
coign1843
architrave1849
escoinçon1867
pulvino1907
pin1928
1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 11 The springing of the Arch is skew'd back from the upright of the Jambs.
1776 G. Semple Treat. Building in Water 16 The middle Arch is 26 Feet high from the springing.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §1105 Elliptical arches to be put across.., with neat wood impost mouldings at the springings.
a1878 G. G. Scott Lect. Mediæval Archit. (1879) I. 54 The first idea for obviating it was to lower the springing of the vault.
1933 Art Bull. 15 80 The arches of the panels have been brought together at their springing to form a typical horseshoe arch.
1999 R. Yeomans Story Islamic Archit. v. 83/1 What makes Cordoba extraordinary is the sequential rhythmic springing of the arcades.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > part of tree or woody plant > [noun] > bough or branch > point of growth from trunk
springing1797
1797 P. Nicholson Carpenter & Joiner's Assistant 75 The wood is stronger in the middle of the trunk, than at the springing of the branches, or at the root.
1843 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. I. 35 Those parts of wood described as curls, are the result of the confused filling in of the space between the forks, or the springings of the branches.
8. The rising or first sign of a wind, breeze, etc. With up. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [noun] > blowing > starting up
springing1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Transl. French Terms Tete de vent, the rising, or springing up of a breeze.
1790 Crit. Rev. Nov. 465 They remained in sight near an hour, and, on the springing up of a breeze, disappeared.
1838 J. F. Cooper Homeward Bound I. xiv. 201 The interval that occurs between the ceasing of a violent gale, and the springing up of a new wind.
1861 Canad. Jrnl. Jan. 81 The springing up of one of those terrific easterly hurricanes which occasionally sweep the coast of Greenland.
1931 Geogr. Jrnl. 78 215 Their great dread is the sudden springing up of a high wind that will obliterate their own tracks.
9. The action of making a warning noise with a rattle; the action of giving a warning of danger. Now rare. Cf. to spring one's (also a) rattle at spring v.1 Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > rattling > that which > sounding of
springing1809
1809 Morning Chron. 21 Oct. Justice Red-a-row..Sends Female Innocence to dwell With Wh—s and Thieves, and Imps of Hell, for springing of a Rattle!!
1813 H. Smith & J. Smith Horace in London ii. i. 115 What a discord of bugles and bells, What whistling, and springing of rattles!
1845 Ann. Reg. 78/1 He heard the breaking of glass and the springing of the policeman's rattle.
1946 Amer. Jrnl. Econ. & Sociol. 5 179 The springing of rattles telling the affrighted listener that all the savage soul of fight was up.
10. The action of announcing a piece of news, a fact, etc., suddenly or unexpectedly; the action of revealing a surprise. With of. Cf. spring v.1 16d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > act of surprising
surprise1609
stealth1611
surprisal1613
startling1645
dumbfounding1682
springing1866
1866 J. G. Holland Life A. Lincoln xiii. 184 He was more given to..the springing of false issues, to quibbles and tricks.
1888 G. W. Smalley London Lett. I. 227 The springing of the Home Rule Bill on the Liberal party by Mr. Gladstone.
1936 Manch. Guardian 23 Apr. 11/2 The next Tory speaker, Mr. Anatruther-Gray, complained of this ‘springing’ of new taxes on the country.
2003 P. A. Skantze Stillness in Motion in 17th Cent. Theatre i. 38 The springing of the surprise has its own erotic pleasures.
II. With reference to flowing, rising (of water), and related senses.† 12. The action of sprinkling; an instance of this. Cf. spring v.1 4. Obsolete.
11. An origin, a source; spec. the origin or source of a stream or river. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > source or origin > [noun]
welleOE
mothereOE
ordeOE
wellspringeOE
fathereOE
headeOE
oreOE
wellspringOE
rootc1175
morea1200
beginningc1200
head wella1325
sourcec1374
principlea1382
risinga1382
springinga1382
fountain14..
springerc1410
nativity?a1425
racinea1425
spring1435
headspring?a1439
seminaryc1440
originationc1443
spring wellc1450
sourdre1477
primordialc1487
naissance1490
wellhead?1492
offspringa1500
conduit-head1517
damc1540
springhead1547
principium1550
mint1555
principal1555
centre1557
head fountain1563
parentage1581
rise1589
spawna1591
fount1594
parent1597
taproot1601
origin1604
fountainhead1606
radix1607
springa1616
abundary1622
rist1622
primitive1628
primary1632
land-spring1642
extraction1655
upstart1669
progenerator1692
fontala1711
well-eye1826
first birth1838
ancestry1880
Quelle1893
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xlix. 19 Ouer alle lif in the springyng [L. origine] of Adam.
c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 60 Blode is norischyng of al membreȝ,..and al haþ bigynnyng or spryngyng of blode.
c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 14 (MED) Arterie is a membre..ful of senewis & holowe, hauynge his springynge fro þe herte.
a1500 Eng. Glosses MS BL Add. 37075 (1984) 41 Origo, a spryngyng forthe.
1579 J. Frampton tr. M. Polo Most Noble & Famous Trauels 163 If they knew any thing of the riuer Nilus, and of his springing.
1630 M. Drayton Muses Elizium 23 I..Can make the swiftest Streame stand still, Nay beare back to his springing.
1873 W. Morris Love is Enough 100 Surely no river Runneth back to its springing.
1941 ‘D. Rame’ Sun shall greet Them i. 12 The marches of the Welsh, where the great plain of Europe had its springing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of sprinkling > [noun]
sprengingOE
springinga1382
sprinklingc1400
arrousement1483
sprinkle1575
sparging1836
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being scattered or dispersed > [noun] > scattering in small particles or sprinkling
sprengingOE
sprengea1350
springinga1382
bespringing1398
sprinklingc1400
sprainture1481
springling?1549
inspersion1568
conspersionc1572
sprinkle1575
respersion1635
spargefaction1704
spargefication1834
sprayinga1884
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 3 Kings xx. 38 He chaungide bi spryngynge [L. aspersione] of poudre þe mouþ & his eȝyn.
a1425 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 1900) (1879) VII. 522 There came a ȝonglinge with a golden chalys ful of water, and aqueynt the stronge heete wit springinge of water.
c1475 Antichrist & Disciples in J. H. Todd Three Treat. J. Wycklyffe (1851) p. cxlvii (MED) Antecrist makiþ hise knowen..bi her christhe sellynge & houselpens takynge & bi her seuenpeny wedding & haliwater spryngynge.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Aspergo, ginis, a spryngynge of lycour.
13. With reference to a stream, well, etc.: the action of rising or flowing out of the ground. Sometimes with out or forth. Also in figurative contexts. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > [noun] > flowing out or forth
springinga1398
wellinga1425
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xiii. i. 648 Þerfor a welle..haþ his springynge and risyng [L. ortum] oute of depe weyes of stones.
?a1425 (a1400) Brut (Corpus Cambr.) 292 In wynter þere arose a suche a sprynggynge and wellinge op of wateres and floodes.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 471 Spryngynge, of a welle or oþer waxynge watyr.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. ii. ciii. 46 There is a fountaine..which, according to the springing and issuing forth out of this or that place, signifieth the change in the price of corne.
a1675 J. Lightfoot Wks. (1684) I. 667 David chooseth to have Solomon anointed at Siloam or Gihon.., as the springing of that Fountain was continual.
1738 Defoe's Tour Great Brit. (ed. 2) III. 190 This Derwent is famous for its springing out of those Hills called Derwent Fells.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna vi. xli. 148 Knowledge, from its secret source inchants Young hearts with the fresh music of its springing.
1869 J. A. Winscom Mainspring xiv. 141 The springing of a crystal fountain, that at times sends up its bright bubbles laughingly from beneath.
2011 Jrnl. Amer. Oriental Soc. 131 680 In spite of the differences among those ways of creation, they frequently end in the springing forth of water.
III. With reference to growth.
14. Esp. with reference to plants, vegetation, etc.: the action of sprouting or growing; (also occasionally) an instance of this. Frequently figurative and in figurative contexts.
a. Without construction. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > [noun] > sprouting or germination
shutea1300
springinga1387
bearinga1398
germination?1440
springing1531
sprouting1547
blading1548
shoot1572
sprout1586
spring1597
putting1623
eruption1626
spindling1626
germinating1644
spearing1707
spiring1733
flushing1810
plantulation1819
germing1832
germinance1841
stooling1854
coming up1908
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 279 (MED) While þey souȝte helpe and remedye of sorwe, þei fond seed and springynge [L. seminarium] of wel more sorowe.
c1425 (c1400) Prymer (Cambr.) (1895) 27 (MED) Thi sones as þe newe spryngyngis [L. novellae] of olyue trees.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 142 The wyntyr helpyth to the Spryngynge and the bourgynge of naturall thyngis.
1546 S. Gardiner Detection Deuils Sophistrie f. cxiii It was a dispensacion of the truth, betwene the ceassing of the lawe and springing of the gospell.
1597 J. Gerard Herball i. 5 Their time of springing, flowring and fading.
1627 G. Hakewill Apologie iii. 161 The remarkeable pawses and chaunges of Nature euery seaventh yeare in the course of mans age, as the casting of the teeth in the first seaven, the springing of the pubes in the second, of the beard in the third, [etc.].
a1653 H. Binning Wks. (1735) 421/2 How many Souls are choaked..in the very springing, by the Thorns of the Cares of this World.
1722 R. Bradley Monthly Reg. Exper. & Observ. Husb. (1723) 73 This springing of Roots from the Parts of Plants which never had any Roots before.
1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum at Germination A springing, sprouting, or budding forth.
1854 Brit. Friend Mar. 57/2 In the springings of love and openings of mercy from our God, we have fellowship and converse with the Father.
1888 J. Ruskin Præterita III. i. 41 I gathered what wild flowers were in their first springing.
1919 H. E. Wieand Music & Memory 53 The fields are green with April's springing.
2006 E. A. Cranston in Waka Anthol. II. 135 The bursting, the springing of new growth begin only gradually.
b. With up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > [noun] > sprouting or germination
shutea1300
springinga1387
bearinga1398
germination?1440
springing1531
sprouting1547
blading1548
shoot1572
sprout1586
spring1597
putting1623
eruption1626
spindling1626
germinating1644
spearing1707
spiring1733
flushing1810
plantulation1819
germing1832
germinance1841
stooling1854
coming up1908
1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities vi. f. 127v All the naturall preceptes be commune to vs.., trewly they had their beginning & first springynge vp [L. initium et ortum], in vs they toke their ful perfectnes.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 11 Excepte ther be joynyd some gud provysyon, for theyr spryngyng up & gud culture they schal never bryng forth theyr frute.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 333 When the Religion formerly receiued, is rent by Discords;..you may doubt the Springing vp of a New Sect.
1653 H. More Conjectura Cabbalistica 65 The sundry Germinations and Springings up of the works of Righteousnesse in him is a delectable Paradise to him.
1744 W. Ellis Timber-tree Improved V. ii. 37 You may accelerate their Springing up by laying the Keys in Sand, and some moist Earth.
1789 Ann. Reg. 1787 14/2 The springing up of the democratical spirit..was for the present a wonderful accession of strength to the adverse party.
1838 E. Bury Garden Medit. xvii. 55 I..began, from the hopeful springing up of the seed, to have comfortable hopes of a plentiful increase.
1887 W. F. Barry New Antigone III. xxxii. 178 The springing up of a fresh tyranny from his blood.
1940 W. H. Chamberlin Confessions of Individualist 296 The springing up of big combinations of capital and their natural counterpart, powerful labor organizations.
2007 Jrnl. Arabic Lit. 38 304 The springing up of fresh herbage after the rain carries broader archetypal or symbolic connotations of revival or rebirth.
15. With reference to a cow or heifer: the action of preparing to give birth, typically involving a swelling of the udders or a loosening of the pelvic bones. Cf. spring v.1 34.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > cow > [noun] > that gives birth > that is pregnant or about to give birth > symptoms of
springing1817
1817 J. White Compend. Dict. Vet. Art 62 At the end of nine lunar months, the period of the cow's gestation is complete; and about a fortnight or three weeks before this time, what is termed Springing takes place.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 445 These symptoms are called springing in England, and the heifers which exhibit them are springers.
1916 Wisconsin Agriculturalist 11 Feb. 4/3 Watch all pregnant cows closely. When signs of springing are noticeable they should be removed to a maternity stall.
2015 Irish Independent (Nexis) 17 Nov. Springing usually occurs approximately two weeks before calving in mature cows, and earlier again in heifers.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a. In sense 3.
ΚΠ
1648 J. Sparrow tr. J. Böhme Descr. Three Princ. iii. 12 The light ariseth out of the flash of the fire, and the first six-fold forme is in the source. [margin] Or, Springing property.
1698 J. Petiver in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 20 397 A peculiar species I..call Snap-Beetles, from their elastick or springing Faculty.
1732 D. Collyer Sacred Interpreter I. (ed. 2) iii. 126 The Air..is endued with a natural Weight, and elastick or springing Power, whereby it so forcibly insinuates itself into the Bodies of Animals, and even Plants.
1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin Narr. Surv. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle III. ii. 35 I amused myself one day by observing the springing powers of this insect.
1890 S. W. Baker Wild Beasts II. xvi. 106 The length from the thigh to the hock is so great that it affords immense springing capacity.
1925 A. D. Imms Gen. Textbk. Entomol. 216 The furcula, or springing-organ, which enables the insect to take sudden leaps into the air.
1959 Motor Man. (ed. 36) iv. 71 Quite elaborate springing arrangements may be built into the clutch disc.
2002 Artibus Asiae 62 91 Each springing level provides a platform from which the subsequent stage can rise.
b. In sense 7a.
ΚΠ
1730 E. Oakley Mag. Archit., Perspective, & Sculpt. 11 Admit A B C D to be the springing Walls upon which the arches are to be raised.
1768 T. Rawlins Familiar Archit. 10 The Bed of the Springing-Stone, which the Arch stands upon.
1776 G. Semple Treat. Building in Water 114 The..Piers..you may begin upon the Platform... But it would do best to begin them on the springing Course.
1835 F. Wishaw Holborn Hill Improvem. 7 Intermediate girders, or springing plates, with small brick arches between, for the support of the roadway.
1839 P. Nicholson Guide to Railway Masonry 4 Each end of the edge thus formed must be placed upon the springing points in each springing line.
1883 Specif. Alnwick & Cornhill Railway 5 When stone imposts or springing courses are used, the stones are always to be equal to the full thickness of the arch.
1994 A. Mathews tr. J.-P. Adam Rom. Building (2003) x. 509 The roofing consists of 13 barrel vaults, whose springing walls are punctuated by 60 arches.
2011 Archit. Hist. 54 252 There were rows of louvres, eight feet in height, below the springing line of the vault.
C2.
springing board n. (a) a strong, flexible board used by a gymnast or diver to gain lift for a gymnastic movement or dive; (b) something resembling a springboard, esp. in assisting a person to attain a particular position, goal, etc. (cf. springboard n. 2).
ΚΠ
1838 C. Trimmer Remarks Article Blackwood's Mag. 16 A sort of springing-board, to enable the writer to vary the otherwise monotonous evenness of his course.
1917 Sat. Evening Post 17 Mar. 13/3 An undulating stride or two and a slim brown figure hits the end of the springing board and rises almost perpendicularly into the air.
1951 Transit News (Chicago Transit Authority) Aug. 8/2 The youngsters..would be performing on parallel bars and springing boards.
2013 B. Bolander Lang. & Power in Blogs vii. 150 The analogy..is used as a springing board to launch a discussion on the relative strength of Wolverine and Batman.
springing tool n. now rare a tool used for turning iron.
ΚΠ
1846 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. II. 536 The finishing or hanging tools,..called also springing tools, which are made of various curves and degrees of strength, yield to these small accidental motions.
1954 Irish Times 4 Mar. 8/2 The springing tool is 1/6 extra.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
springingn.2
/ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/ 1. The process or action of providing or fitting a device (spec. a watch or clock) with springs as part of its internal mechanism. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > pliableness > [noun] > elasticity > a spring > providing with
springing1821
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > mechanism > [noun] > part of > spring > providing with
springing1821
1821 Philos. Mag. 57 314 About five years ago, owing to a great demand for chronometers, we applied to Mr. Molyneux (who was employed with others at that time by us in making escapements) to assist us in springing.
1899 Notes & Queries 17 June 479/2 A practical work on the springing and adjusting of watches.
1996 Proc. Internat. Symp. Technol. & Soc. (IEEE Soc. Social Implications of Technol.) 441/2 What could not be speeded up was the labour-intensive, highly skilled final assembly and ‘springing’ of the watch.
2. A system or arrangement of springs forming part of a device or object, esp. the suspension of a vehicle; (also) the configuration or design employed in such a system.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > parts and equipment of vehicles generally > [noun] > springing
springing1952
1883 Eng. Mech. 24 Aug. 577/1 The springing and isochronism are correct.
1906 Westm. Gaz. 14 Nov. 9/2 Additional smoothness in running has been secured by certain modifications in the springing.
1952 Times 19 Aug. 11/6 The springing gives a comfortable ride for the passengers.
2001 Which Kit? May 46/4 (advt.) Step-by-step guide to chassis design, building and tuning, including tyre technology, roll-centres, suspensions, brakes, shockers and springing.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
springingadj.
/ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/ 1.
a. Of a plant, vegetation, etc.: sprouting, growing. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > [adjective] > sprouting or germinating
bearingOE
burgeoninga1382
burging1398
springingc1400
sprouting1531
upstarting1581
sprigging1583
teeming1642
germinating1657
fruticant1670
shooting1717
chipping1743
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 35 So semly a sede moȝt fayly not, Þat spryngande spyceȝ vp ne sponne.
1513 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid xii. Prol. 90 The spray bysprent with spryngand sproutis dispers.
?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda sig. I Ah, Perseda, how shall I mourne for thee? Faire springing Rose, ill pluckt before thy time.
1633 P. Fletcher Purple Island vii. xix. 41 The starres [change] their courses, flowers their springing pride.
1694 M. Prior For New Year: To Sun 1 As its Infant Months bestow Springing Wreaths for William's Brow.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening ix. 208 These springing Leaves require Nourishment.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Epode xvi, in tr. Horace Odes II. 339 Nor heats excessive burn the springing Grain.
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Disowned I. iv. 69 The green sward and springing flowers of a small garden.
1891 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 27 66 When the air grows soft on the springing corn we need no longer sigh over the hidden fate of Romulus.
1919 R. S. Macnamara Beloved Sinner v. 72 Her eyes lit upon the tennis racquets, half-hidden among the springing bluebells.
1999 Derby Evening Tel. (Nexis) 6 Nov. 40 The nascent green of springing beech.
b. Of a place, season, etc.: characterized by the growth of plants, vegetation, etc. literary in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > year > season > [adjective] > contrary to the seasonal norm > early or characterized by growth
springing1538
forwardly1598
1538 tr. Erasmus Prepar. to Deathe sig. Bvv Than come in mynde, the swete sight of the sonne, the moste goodly ordynance of the fyrmament, the pleasant hewe of the springynge world [L. mundi uernantis].
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Jer. ii. 31 Am I become a wildernes to Israel, or a lateward springing land?
1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 108 You may spend here with us, one of these warm and Springing Winters, laden with Roses.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 93 The yeaning Ewes prevent the springing Year. View more context for this quotation
1718 N. Rowe tr. Lucan Pharsalia 128 To parch the fading Herb and nip the springing Green.
?1772 J. Ball Odes 52 Thy beauteous Borders show All Colours of the springing Year.
a1872 J. Bowring Sacred Poetry (1873) 125 Verdure decks the springing ground.
a1936 A. E. Housman Poems (1997) 185 In the springing season, When earth made gallant show.
2008 P. Gregory Other Queen 245 He dashes off, long-legged like a colt in a springing field.
c. figurative. Coming into existence; beginning to develop; just appearing or beginning; rising.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > [adjective] > coming into existence
springing1548
buddinga1586
exsurgent1619
rising1667
enascent1745
naissant1872
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. xixv This miserable decrepite and aged kyng..had rather with these, and other sembleable medecynes remedie this yonge springyng sore, then he woulde have it experimented.
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 Tim. i. f. iiiiv I persecuted the springing glorie of ye gospel.
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 92 This little child..had so many springing graces..that she promised ere long to be a Paragon of beauty.
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon i. 1. 12 Neither did he..cultivate his springing fortune with an assiduity and diligence unbecoming his Spirit, and Blood.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 796 These rites to piety and grief discharg'd, The friendly Gods a springing gale inlarg'd.
1781 W. Cowper Epist. to Lady in France in Poems (1980) I. 444 The flinty soil indeed their feet annoys, And sudden sorrow nips their springing joys.
1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 6 Thermopylæ and Marathon Caught..The springing Fire.
1922 Theatre Mag. Nov. 216/1 I know of only three managers who are capable of..so keeping in touch with the springing talent of the country that they can cast a play with intelligence.
2000 J. Glass Blood lxv. 385 Empty, preoccupied faces that looked somehow tragic when compared to the springing happiness inside Wendy.
d. figurative. Youthful; characterized by growth, energy, or vigour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > age > youth > [adjective] > belonging to early part of life
younger1538
springing1556
youngest1570
junior1606
vernant1793
vernal1794
in bud1847
1556 J. Olde tr. R. Gwalther Antichrist sig. H8 This Iohn.., being euen from his springing youthe tyme [L. ab ipsa adolescentia] spotted with al the villanye in the worlde.
1592 G. Harvey Foure Lett. iii. 49 I speake generally to euery springing wit.
a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 200 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) In his springing yeeres hee suckt the sweet milk of good learning.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar i. 13 Her person [was] young, her yeers florid and springing.
1720 S. Cobb tr. C. Quillet Callipædia (new ed.) iv. 135 Now your first Blood and springing Youth employ In amorous Sports, and give a loose to Joy.
1822 C. Lamb in London Mag. June 532/2 The Blind Beggar..seated..with his more fresh and springing daughter by his side.
1883 Househ. Words 3 Nov. 10/2 It was not likely that a girl like Dickie would have gone ‘unwooed, unwon’, all these sweet years of her springing girlhood.
1911 Mrs. H. Ward Case of Richard Meynell iv. xxi. 525 Beside her freshness, her springing youth, he realized his own jaded spirit, almost with a sense of guilt.
2013 Times of India (Nexis) 10 May Gippi is a plump pre-teen..confused about her springing adolescence.
2. Of light, day, dawn, etc.: becoming perceptible, appearing in the sky. Now somewhat rare (literary in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > [adjective] > appearing or becoming visible
springing?a1425
pearingc1480
peepinga1547
peering1568
unveiling1611
appearinga1616
disclosing1746
out-peeping1893
?a1425 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Trin. Cambr. R.3.22) f. 81 Nowe faire cedre, Cipresse of Syon Spryngynge lyȝt [c1450 Durh. Spryngyng light oute] of Nazareth.
1540 J. Pylbarough Commemoration Inestimable Graces God sig. Dv The deathe of Christ, which for the nones came from aboue, lyke a spryngynge light of iustice.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iii. sig. O6v And Titan..Gan cleare the deawy ayre with springing light.
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 46 Taint not the pure streames of the springing Day.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. ii. sig. Aa5 Among all Birds.., scarce any give so early and so sweet a welcome to the Springing day.
1723 J. Dart Westmonasterium I. p. iii Those that sleep below To whom Vicissitude shall ne'er return, Of springing Sun-shine, or the red-fleck'd Morn.
a1737 E. S. Rowe Devout Exercises (1738) xiii. 53 Thy Returns are more welcome than the springing Day-light after the Horrors of a melancholy Night.
1867 G. Meredith Vittoria I. xvi. 278 She sees the sunset in the breast of the springing dawn.
1869 Brit. Millennial Harbinger Jan. 33 A scene sadly out of harmony with the beautiful promise of the springing morning.
1914 Bull. Amer. Libr. Assoc. 8 148/2 We do not catch the springing light of the new day, but the fading light of the day that is gone.
1963 Chicago Rev. 16 No. 2. 58 The same power which held my vision there..Subtracted lightness from the springing day.
3. Rising or flowing out of the ground. Also in figurative contexts. literary in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > spring > [adjective]
springing1478
springy1649
sallying1727
1478 W. Worcester Itineraries (Corpus Cambr. 210) (1969) 68 The water of Dee bygynneth at a springyng well in a hille side.
c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 528 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 16 Quhare a fare sted was, enhournyt with treis sere, & spryngand wellis.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Lev. xiv. A He shall take the lyuynge byrde with the Ceder wodd,..and dyppe them in the bloude of the slaine byrde vpon the springynge water.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 97 Thow springand well of vice.
1635 J. Swan Speculum Mundi vi. §2. 202 The differing qualitie of springing waters.
1675 T. Brooks Word in Season 85 in Paradice Opened Grace is..a springing well of inexhaustible fulness, sweetness, vertue, and refreshment.
1704 J. Trapp Abra-Mule 1 The springing Fountains of my Eyes.
1748 L. Pilkington Mem. II. p. viii Meanings crowd thick, the Tongue it's Aid denies, And springing Tears the Loss of Speech supplies.
1831 Freeman's Jrnl. 20 Dec. The springing source of massacre and immorality in Ireland is the tithe.
1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine (1858) viii. 330 Pella, so called by the Macedonian Greeks from the springing fountain.
1921 Times 7 July 13/6 A great island of flowers and verdure, floating among a murmur of springing rivulets and tumbling waterfalls.
2012 H. Mantel in Guardian (Nexis) 20 Oct. (Review section) 20 Her hand was cut, and a springing well of blood branched into tributaries on her palm.
4.
a. Of an object: elastic; resilient; able to regain its original shape or position after being subjected to an external force.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > pliableness > [adjective] > elastic > springy
springy1633
springing1655
bouncy1926
givey1965
1655 T. Ady Candle in Dark i. 36 A small springing Wire of about a foot long.
1675 J. Worlidge Second Pt. Systema Agriculturæ iv. 43 Let a Spring be made of Eugh, Ash, or other springing Wood.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Sounding A wooden Globe, lighter than Water, to which, at a little Distance is a piece of Lead or Stone fix'd, by means of a springing Wire.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Epode ii, in tr. Horace Odes II. 273 He sets the springing Snare, To catch the stranger Crane, or timorous Hare.
1859 W. Kirby U.E.: Tale Upper Canada vi. 95 And on the springing floor, with sparkling eyes And tingling feet the ready dancers rise.
1894 J. Burroughs Locusts & Wild Honey (new ed.) 128 A luxurious couch of boughs upon springing poles was prepared.
1926 Bee (Danville, Va.) 4 Oct. 3/7 (advt.) The springing cushions lure you to laze in luxurious depths.
2012 C. Feehan Samurai Game vii. 116 He swore and shoved at the damp, springing curls spilling onto his forehead.
b. Of motion, a movement, etc.: characterized by elasticity; energetic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > bodily movement > [adjective] > qualities of bodily movement > elastic
supple1599
springing1655
springy1749
buoyant1835
fawn-like1838
elastic1848
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [adjective] > relating to or characterized by
springing1655
saltatorial1789
saltatory1847
saltative1911
1655 J. Goodwin Cata-baptism i. sig. h3v Wine hath that in it, which is very pleasant and enticing, as viz. his colour in the cup, and his sparkling and springing motion in the glass.
1674 Sir W. Petty (title) Discourse..concerning the use of duplicate proportion..with a new hypothesis of springing or elastique motions.
1706 P. Siris tr. R.-A. Feuillet Art of Dancing vi. 9 A Bending and Springing Step, with a Foot en l'Air.
1752 tr. G. F. Coyer Suppl. Lord Anson's Voy. 11 A Sailor taking a springing Leap, that he might climb the higher, the Body of the Tree snapt asunder.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 114 With short and springing footstep pass The trembling bog and false morass.
1893 F. C. Selous Trav. S.E. Afr. 439 The bull..went off at once into a springing gallop.
1937 W. Lewis Revenge for Love v. ii. 238 Old Jack came quickly in, his springing, faunlike woodland gait changing into a quick march-step.
2014 B. Tripp Accidental Highwayman xiv. 133 He had a strange, springing walk, his knees always bent.
c. Chiefly of an animal: that springs, leaps, or bounds. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [adjective]
leaping?a1400
jumping1567
saltant1601
vaultinga1616
salient1646
saltitant1654
springing1658
boundinga1667
saltating1852
upleaping1867
1658 I. Ambrose Looking unto Jesus x. i. 603 The word siginifies leaping, springing, exalting joy.
1727 J. Thomson Summer 26 They, sportive, wheel; or, sailing down the Stream, Are snatch'd, immediate, by the springing Trout.
1735 W. Somervile Chace ii. 30 Impatient Hounds With Disappointment vex'd, each springing Lark Babbling pursue, far scatter'd o'er the Fields.
1816 W. Glen Lonely Isle 22 The springing Antelope danced past with glee.
1873 W. G. Wills Luralie ii. ii. 41 A springing salmon, which I caught myself.
1972 E. Clarkson Running of Deer xvii. 165 The moorhen seemed to freeze, as for a brief second the springing fox hung in mid-air.
2008 K. Elliott Shadow Gate iv. xxi. 202 Her first arrow struck the flank of a springing deer.
5. Law. Arising from a previous matter and provisionally liable to exist or take effect. Cf. contingent adj. 9. Now somewhat archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adjective]
conditionalc1380
conditionate1533
conditionated1581
otherwise1602
provisory1611
cautionated1623
provisionala1626
provisive1650
conditioneda1656
subject1662
limitative1682
springing1685
eventual1692
contingent1710
stipulated1766
provisionary1775
conditional1864
mitigated1884
1685 Arguments Late Ld. Chancellor Nottingham 15 I would fain know the difference, why I may not raise a new springing Trust upon the same Term, as well as a new springing Term upon the same Trust.
1703 H. Curson Law conc. Estates Taile 28 Future Interests, springing Trusts, or Trusts Executory.., are quite out of the Rules and Reasons of Perpetuities.
1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 334 Herein these, which are called contingent or springing, uses differ from an executory devise.
1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 484 If this springing trust to arise on the contingency of a marriage be good, why should not the springing trust in the present case be equally good.
1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. ii. iii. 227 Executory estates may also arise under the Statute of Uses, in which case they are called springing or shifting uses.
1920 Mich. Law Rev. 18 471 Is the grantor left with a fee subject to a springing fee in the grantee?
2010 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 25 Mar. f4/3 What you want is a springing durable power of attorney, which is activated by events you detail.
6. Of a cow or heifer: showing signs of being close to giving birth; having full udders.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > cow > [adjective] > pregnant or near to giving birth
with calf1483
encalf1556
in-calf1556
springing1693
in calf1729
down-calving1790
coming in1839
incalving1856
1693 London Gaz. No. 2898/4 The red was a Springing Cow, with a small star in the Forehead.
1751 London Evening Post 19 Jan. 1/1 A Fire..destroy'd fifteen springing Cows, as also a Barn and Stable.
1798 St. James's Chron. 15 May Springing heifers, and cows near calving, were well sold.
1856 J. C. Morton Cycl. Agric. (new ed.) II. (Gloss.) 726/1 Springing (Warwicks.), applied to heifers in calf; beginning to show signs of milk.
1886 Z. F. Smith Hist. Kentucky xv. 157 The springing cow, feasting on the foliage of leaves and grasses, divided her secretive treasury with the friendly family.
1918 Hoard's Dairyman 15 Feb. 160/2 (advt.) Choice grade Holstein cattle, fresh and springing, beautifully marked, tuberculin tested, dairy type.
1982 E. D. Powers & M. E. Hannah Cataloochee 280 Aunt Polly raised cain with her menfolk for carrying her ‘springing’ milk cow along with the others to the mountains.
2011 R. Mather Feast Nearby vii. 85 Good dairy farmers..will always need springing heifers to help keep their milk production high.
7. Of a dog: used during a shoot to cause game birds to rise from cover. Chiefly in springing spaniel (cf. springer spaniel n. at springer n.1 Compounds).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > [adjective] > causing birds to rise
springing1725
1725 D. Eaton Let. 13 July (1971) 30 Mr. Joseph Lynwood..considering..that he had better mind other business than shooting (for they were all springing spaniels), hang'd three of them of his own accord.
1770 T. Page Art of Shooting Flying (ed. 4) 87 If you have an old springing Spaniel,..such a dog may be used with your Pointer with great advantage.
1842 J. C. Prichard Nat. Hist. Man 72 Well-bred and well-taught springing spaniels were abundant.
1872 Bell's Life in London 16 Mar. 3/6 A sagacious ‘springing dog’..always gave a stifled bark before going in on her quarry.
1921 W. A. Bruette Compl. Dog Bk. 138 From the ‘Springing Spaniel’ the whole of the beautiful varieties we now possess have emanated.
2000 A. Mallinson Honorable Company (2001) i. 1 Lying full across the open doorway of the anteroom was a springing spaniel, old and ill-smelling.
8. Of an arch or arched object: extending in a curving direction from a point of support.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [adjective] > like an arch or bow
inbowed1452
embowing1561
embowed1578
bow-bent1592
arched1602
bow-like1612
arcuate1626
archy1633
arching1678
springing1786
1786 Ann. Agric. 5 210 The points they generally admire here, are,..a springing rib and large carcass.
1799 A. Young Gen. View Agric. County Lincoln 358 The hind quarters so corresponding, with a springing rib, as to form an oval.
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 579 It is required to find the curvature of the springing ribs.
1872 O. Shipley Gloss. Eccl. Terms 263 That stone in an arch which is equally distant from its springing extremities.
1931 Art Bull. 13 276 Only the springing voussoirs of the arches which touched the gallery arcades have been left as traces of the original structure.
2004 D. W. Dunlap From Abyssinian to Zion 197 The Roman Catholic Church..has springing arches that sweep over the nave.
Compounds
ΚΠ
1803 G. Shaw Gen. Zool. IV. ii. 623 Springing Gurnard, Trigla Evolans.
1902 M. A. C. Fraser Western Austral. Year-bk. 1900–01 I. 271 Trigla lucerna (‘Springing Gurnard’), Fremantle.
ΚΠ
1790 G. Shaw Vivarium Naturæ, or Naturalist’s Misc. I. Pl. 37 In America a large species of Elater, or Springing-Beetle is possessed of this faculty in a very high degree.
1836–9 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. II. 861/2 Elateridæ, or springing-beetles, which are commonly known in their state of larvæ, as the wire-worm.
1918 M. V. O' Shea et al. World Bk. II. 1428/2 Click beetle, springing beetle, or skipjack, names given to a family of springing, snapping beetles.
Derivatives
ˈspringingly adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > bodily movement > [adverb] > with elasticity
supplely1611
springingly1668
pliantly1673
limberly1891
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > [adverb]
leapingly1548
springingly1668
boundingly1838
1668 Bp. J. Wilkins Alphabet. Dict. in Ess. Real Char. sig. Fffv Fillip, strike with the nail of the finger springingly.
1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors I. xiii. 251 The thought was tonic for an instant and illuminated him springingly.
2003 Guardian (Nexis) 25 Apr. 18 He had a long, mild face and springingly abundant grey hair.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1c1380
n.21821adj.c1400