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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Thringing, Thronging, vbl. n. [ME and e.m.E. thranging (Cursor M.) thryngyng (Cath. Angl.), throngyng (1548); Thring(e v.]

1. Pressing, clasping. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 795 (W).
With wringing, and thringing, His hands on vther dang

2. Pushing, thrusting, forcing one's way (in, throw).(a) a1599 Rollock Wks. I 308.
Thou that wald gang to hevin, make thee for thringing throw quhill all thy guttis be almaist thrustit out 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 277.
There is no little thrusting and thringing to thrust in at heaven's gates; it is a castle taken by force(b) 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 345.
What violence of thronging will heaven take! 1649 Sel. Biog. I 404.
The heavenly kingdom is not gotten with a skip or a leap … there must be thrusting and thronging and climbing to enter in a1658 Durham Clavis Cantici 142.
The more discouragement seizeth upon the soul, there should be the more prayer, and thronging in upon Christ

3. Crowding together, jostling; press (of people). 1652 Dumfries Kirk S. 8 April.
For the more easie accommodatione of the congregatione and keeping them from thronging & vther vnseemelie behavior 1676 Edinb. B. Rec. X 260.
A door … made at the foot of the stair … leidding to the councill loft to the end the same may be frie of the thronging of people that uses to stand in the said enterie