[ceil.ing] n [ME celing, fr. celen] (1535) 1 a: the overhead inside lining of a room b: material used to ceil a wall or roof of a room
2: something thought of as an overhanging shelter or a lofty canopy "a ~ of stars" 3 a: the height above the ground from which prominent objects on the ground can be seen and identified b: the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is obscured
4. a: absolute ceiling b: service ceiling
5: an upper usu. prescribed limit "a ~ on prices, rents, and wages" -- ceil.inged adj