maying

English

Etymology

From May +‎ -ing, or may (“celebrate May Day festivities”) +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈmeɪɪŋ/

Noun

maying (plural mayings)

  1. (chiefly historical) The celebrations traditionally held to celebrate May Day.
    • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, chapter j, in Le Morte Darthur, book XIX:
      SOo it befelle in the moneth of May / quene Gueneuer called vnto her knyȝtes of the table round / and she gafe them warnynge that erly vpon the morowe she wold ryde on mayeng in to woodes & feldes besyde westmynstre / & I warne yow that there be none of yow but that he be wel horsed / and that ye alle be clothed on grene outher in sylke outher in clothe
    • Stow
      […] sometimes two or three parishes joining together, had their several mayings; and did fetch in maypoles […].
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