Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Reading \Read"ing\, n.
   1. The act of one who reads; perusal; also, printed or
      written matter to be read.

   2. Study of books; literary scholarship; as, a man of
      extensive reading.

   3. A lecture or prelection; public recital.

            The Jews had their weekly readings of the law.
                                                  --Hooker.

   4. The way in which anything reads; force of a word or
      passage presented by a documentary authority; lection;
      version.

   5. Manner of reciting, or acting a part, on the stage; way of
      rendering. [Cant]

   6. An observation read from the scale of a graduated
      instrument; as, the reading of a barometer.

   {Reading of a bill} (Legislation), its normal recital, by the
      proper officer, before the House which is to consider it.