The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Preaching \Preach"ing\ (pr[=e]ch"[i^]ng), n.
   The act of delivering a religious discourse; the art of
   sermonizing; also, a sermon; a public religious discourse;
   serious, earnest advice. --Milner.
   [1913 Webster]

   Preaching cross, a cross, sometimes surmounting a pulpit,
      erected out of doors to designate a preaching place.

   Preaching friars. See Dominican.
      [1913 Webster]