Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Noun.

from

Shrinking head

(Founding)

a body of molten metal connected with a mold for the purpose of supplying metal to compensate for the shrinkage of the casting; – called also

sinking head

, and

riser

ppr.

Contracting; drawing together; withdrawing from danger; declining to act from fear; causing to contract.

shrinking

shrinking ‎(plural shrinkings)

The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.
- 1822, The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal (volume 6, page 10)
  […] the silent grief beyond the power of words—the generous consolations of the noble sister—the shrinkings of the poor criminal, and his relapsings into a gentler penitence […]