bearbaiting

noun

bear·​bait·​ing ˈber-ˌbā-tiŋ How to pronounce bearbaiting (audio)
: the practice of setting dogs on a chained bear

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearbaiting was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near bearbaiting

Cite this Entry

“Bearbaiting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearbaiting. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on bearbaiting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!