foxhunting

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Sport of hunting foxes with hounds: "foxhunting" refers to the activity or sport in which people on horseback follow a pack of hounds that are trained to track and chase foxes. This is traditionally a countryside pursuit, often associated with ceremonial dress and social events.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Foxhunting is a controversial sport in many countries due to animal welfare concerns. (The activity of hunting foxes with hounds.)
    • He has been involved in foxhunting since his youth, riding with the local hunt club. (Participating in the sport of chasing foxes with hounds.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to go foxhunting": to participate in the activity of hunting foxes with hounds.

    • They went foxhunting every Saturday during the autumn season. (They rode with hounds to pursue foxes.)

  • "foxhunting season": the specific time of year when foxhunting is legally permitted.

    • The foxhunting season traditionally begins in November and ends in March. (The period when the sport is practiced.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Foxhunt (n): a single instance or event of hunting foxes.

    • The foxhunt lasted for several hours across the open fields. (A specific chase or hunt.)

  • Foxhunter (n): a person who participates in foxhunting.

    • She is an experienced foxhunter and knows the local terrain well. (Someone who hunts foxes with hounds.)

  • Foxhound (n): a breed of dog specifically used in foxhunting.

    • The pack of foxhounds followed the scent of the fox. (Dogs trained for this sport.)
Synonyms
  • Hunting with hounds: a broader term for the practice of using trained dogs to pursue game.
  • The chase: a poetic or traditional term for the pursuit of foxes on horseback.
Phrasal Verbs
  • (None directly associated with "foxhunting" as a noun; the activity is not typically described with phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms

  • "Riding to hounds": an idiomatic expression meaning to participate in foxhunting.

    • He spent his weekends riding to hounds with the local hunt. (Engaging in the sport of foxhunting.)

  • "The fox's earth": a term for the fox's den, often referenced in foxhunting contexts.

    • The hounds lost the scent near the fox's earth. (The fox's hiding place during a hunt.)