quickening

English

Verb

quickening

1. present participle of quicken

Noun

quickening (plural quickenings)

1. An increase of speed.
   • 1861, United States. War Dept, U.S. Infantry Tactics (page 124)

     If the following guide lose his distance from the one leading (which can only happen by his own fault), he will correct himself by slightly lengthening or shortening a few steps, in order that there may not be sudden quickenings or slackenings in the march of his platoon.

2. The action of bringing someone or something to life.
3. The first noticable movements of a foetus during pregnancy, or the period when this occurs.
4. Stimulation, excitement (of a feeling, emotion etc.).
   • 1897, Henry James, What Maisie Knew:

     It may indeed be said that these days brought on a high quickening of Maisie's direct percptions, of her sense of freedom to make out things for herself.