blooding

[bluhd-ing]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. (in fox hunting) an informal initiation ceremony in which the face of a novice is smeared with the blood of the first fox that person has seen killed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blooding¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; blood + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Seen by many as an inconvenience in an already congested calendar, the EFL Cup remains essential when it comes to blooding emerging Premier League talent.

From BBC

I think it was a good way of blooding him on his international debut.

From BBC

There was the odd highlight, of course, namely beating Scotland 3-0 in Dublin in the Nations League, but Kenny's main legacy will be his role in blooding the Republic's next generation.

From BBC

He also describes a “blooding” ceremony, in which Tiggy “tenderly” smeared his cheeks, nose and forehead in rabbit blood after he made his first kill.

From Los Angeles Times

The north London club have retained their core of international players, while blooding youngsters last season and allowing others to gain experience from loan spells.

From BBC