beholding

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beholding

1. present participle and gerund of behold

beholding (comparative more beholding, superlative most beholding)

1. Obsolete form of beholden.
   • 1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene v]:

     I thank ye all. To you, my good lord mayor,
     And your good brethren, I am much beholding;
     I have received much honour by your presence,
     And ye shall find me thankful.

   • 1551, Thomas More, “(please specify the Internet Archive page)”, in Raphe Robynson [i.e., Ralph Robinson], transl., A Fruteful, and Pleasaunt Worke of the Best State of a Publyque Weale, and of the Newe Yle Called Utopia: […], London: […] [Steven Mierdman for] Abraham Vele, […], →OCLC:

     I was much bound and beholding to the right reverend father.

   • 1655, Thomas Fuller, The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, (please specify |book=I to XI):

     So much hath Oxford been beholding to her nephews, or sister's children.

beholding (plural beholdings)

1. The act by which something is beheld; regard; contemplation.
   • a. 1847, Robert Traill, a sermon

     But this text and theme I am upon, relates to somewhat far higher and greater, than all the beholdings of his glory that ever any saint on earth received.