fox hunting

fox hunting
—fox hunter.
a sport in which mounted hunters follow hounds in pursuit of a fox.
[1665-75]

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Chase of a fox by horsemen with a pack of hounds.

In England, home of the sport, it dates from at least the 15th century, when it probably developed out of stag and hare hunting. Modern fox hunting became popular among the upper classes in the 19th century. A hunt is led by a master; the dogs (usually 15–20 matched pairs) are controlled by the huntsman and two or three assistants. The hunt may take place on any grounds (woodlands, heath, or fields) where a fox is suspected to be. The riders, outfitted in distinctive red uniforms, meet at a host's house, and the hounds are sent off to search out the fox; when it is found, the hunt begins. The fox is chased until it either escapes or is cornered and killed. Fox hunting reached its peak in popularity before World War I; it continued into the late 20th century despite the decreasing number of large estates and popular opposition on grounds of cruelty and elitism.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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