I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of taken to take
1.
a. : seizure
had a taking , which he took calmly, simply bidding us hold him upside down by his ankles — J.J.Chapman
b. obsolete : a seizure or attack from a malevolent influence : blight
2.
a. chiefly Scotland : an unfavorable state or condition : plight
his head and his stomach were in a very sad taking — C.E.Abernethy
b. : a state of violent agitation and distress
put him in a great taking … grew as white as a napkin — John Buchan
3. : something taken or received: as
a. takings plural : receipts especially of money
in those days the takings of a popular play were much less — W.S.Maugham
takings did not cover expenses
gross takings
b. : a catch or take of fish or animals
c. : a holding of land for mining
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of take (I)
1. : that takes the fancy : alluring , attractive , captivating , pleasing
book has a very taking period flavor — Times Literary Supplement
knew she would be a taking girl; how lovely, I did not guess — George Meredith
something inexpressibly taking in his manner — Douglas Jerrold
2. : contagious , infectious , catching