Definition

Noun: - The sport or practice of setting two gamecocks (roosters bred for fighting) against each other in a fight, often to the death, for entertainment and gambling.

Usage

• As a subject: Cockfighting is illegal in many countries.
• As an object: The authorities are trying to eradicate cockfighting in the region.
• With prepositions: He was arrested for his involvement in .

Examples

• The ancient tradition of is controversial today.
• Laws prohibiting are strictly enforced.
• They attended a secret match.

Advanced Usage

• "to be involved in cockfighting": to participate in the activity, either as an organizer, owner, or spectator.
  • He was charged for being involved in cockfighting.
• "cockfighting ring": a term for the organized, often secretive, network or location where cockfights are held.
  • The police raided an underground cockfighting ring.

Variants and Related Words

• Cockfight (n): A single instance or event of this sport.
  • They went to watch a cockfight.
• Gamecock (n): A rooster specifically bred and trained for fighting.
• Pit (n): The enclosed area where the cockfight takes place.

Synonyms

• Gamefowl fighting: A more formal term.
• Rooster fighting: A descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

This word refers specifically to the organized activity or sport itself. It carries strong connotations of animal cruelty and illegal gambling in modern legal and ethical contexts. It is distinct from historical or cultural practices where it may have held ceremonial significance.

Noun

1. participation in the sport of matching gamecocks in a cockfight