Speaking, a.
1. Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube.
2. Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness. A speaking acquaintance, a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects. -- Speaking trumpet, an instrument somewhat resembling a trumpet, by which the sound of the human voice may be so intensified as to be conveyed to a great distance. -- Speaking tube, a tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance. -- To be on speaking terms, to be slightly acquainted.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Speaking, n.
1. The act of uttering words.
2. Public declamation; oratory.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for speaking; he lists it under speech.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.