sinking

A falling or settling downward; a subsidence.

The process of excavating downward through the earth, as in mining, etc.

In arch., sculp., etc., a depression; a place hollowed out, whether for decoration or to receive some other feature; a socket.

In joinery:

An angular groove or rabbet in the corner of a board.

The operation of making or of finishing rabbets.

Causing to sink, subside, or gradually disappear: as, a sinking weight; causing the sensation of sinking or fainting: as, a sinking apprehension or anxiety.

In piquet, the manœuver of calling only a part of a combination, so as to conceal the strength of the hand for playing: usually resorted to only when the player knows his adversary has no better call.

a. & n. from sink.

See under Fund.