From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Reading \Read"ing\ (r[=e]d"[i^]ng), n.
1. The act of one who reads; perusal; also, printed or
written matter to be read.
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2. Study of books; literary scholarship; as, a man of
extensive reading.
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3. A lecture or prelection; public recital.
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The Jews had their weekly readings of the law.
--Hooker.
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4. The way in which anything reads; force of a word or
passage presented by a documentary authority; lection;
version.
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5. Manner of reciting, or acting a part, on the stage; way of
rendering. [Cant]
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6. An observation read from the scale of a graduated
instrument; as, the reading of a barometer.
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Reading of a bill (Legislation), its formal recital, by the
proper officer, before the House which is to consider it.
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