praying I. noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English preying, praying, from gerund of preyen, prayen to pray — more at pray : the act, an instance, or the custom of making prayer II. adjective Etymology: Middle English preying, praying, from present participle of preyen, prayen : habituated or devoted to prayer : accustomed to pray < a praying man > • pray·ing·lyadverb