Bull-baiting

(-bating.) (Sports.) The barbarous amusement of baiting or goading bulls to fight, by the attacks of dogs set upon them while fastened to a stake, and with their horns muffled. This sport, first practised by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, was introduced into England abt. 1209, and became for ages the chief pastime of the lower orders of people. It was abolished under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in1835. [s. 123]