Definition of "staring"

Then the bewilderingness of the old starings of the solitary old man and old woman, by the cracked hearth-stone of the desolate old house, in the desolate, round, open space […]

1852, Herman Melville, Pierre; or, The Ambiguities

“I fear, with regard to the world in general, she is utterly incorrigible, because it has neither pleasure nor advantage to offer, that can compensate for the deprivation of relating one staring story, or ridiculous anecdote.”

1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, III.vi.8