The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Combing \Comb"ing\, n.
   1. The act or process of using a comb or a number of combs;
      as, the combing of one's hair; the combing of wool.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The process of combing is used in straightening wool of
         long staple; short wool is carded.
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   2. pl.
      (a) That which is caught or collected with a comb, as
          loose, tangled hair.
      (b) Hair arranged to be worn on the head.
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                The baldness, thinness, and . . . deformity of
                their hair is supplied by borders and combings.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
      (c) (Naut.) See Coamings.
          [1913 Webster]

   Combing machine (Textile Manuf.), a machine for combing
      wool, flax, cotton, etc., and separating the longer and
      more valuable fiber from the shorter. See also Carding
      machine, under Carding.
      [1913 Webster]