Groaning

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  groan \groan\ (gr[=o]n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Groaned}
     (gr[=o]nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Groaning}.] [OE. gronen, granen,
     granien, AS. gr[=a]nian, fr. the root of grennian to grin.
     [root]35. See {2d Grin}, and cf. {Grunt}.]
     1. To give forth a low, moaning sound in breathing; to utter
        a groan, as in pain, in sorrow, or in derision; to moan.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              For we . . . do groan, being burdened. --2 Cor. v.
                                                    4.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He heard the groaning of the oak.     --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To strive after earnestly, as with groans.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Nothing but holy, pure, and clear,
              Or that which groaneth to be so.      --Herbert.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  groaning
       adj : making low inarticulate sound as e.g. of pain or sorrow;
             "the groaning wounded"; "moaning sounds in her sleep"
             [syn: {moaning}]