-ing \-ing\
1. [For OE. -and, -end, -ind, AS. -ende; akin to Goth. -and-,
L. -ant-, -ent-, Gr. ?.]
A suffix used to from present
participles; as, singing, playing.
2. [OE. -ing, AS. -ing, -ung.]
A suffix used to form nouns
from verbs, and signifying the act of; the result of the
act; as, riding, dying, feeling. It has also a secondary
collective force; as, shipping, clothing.
Note: The Old English ending of the present participle and
verbal noun became confused, both becoming -ing.
3. [AS. -ing.]
A suffix formerly used to form diminutives;
as, lording, farthing.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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