▪ I. rucking, vbl. n.2
The action of ruck v.2
| a 1915 in W. H. Chantrey Theatre Accounts (1915) 67 Druggets or crumb cloths where used must be secured so as to be in no way liable to rucking. |
▪ II. rucking, vbl. n.3
[cf. ruck n.1 3 c (a).]
Loose scrummaging.
| 1958 [see loose scrummaging s.v. loose a. 9]. 1963 Times 31 May 3/4 He told New Zealanders: ‘I think we can learn much from your game—particularly your forwards' rucking and driving over the ball, which we are trying to practise.’ 1966 Sunday Times 2 Oct. 20/6 Their captain, Matthews, set an example with his rucking and gained them some valuable balls. |
▪ III. rucking, vbl. n.4 slang.
[f. ruck v.6 + -ing1.]
A reprimand; a scolding, telling-off.
| 1958 F. Norman Bang to Rights i. 41 I'll have to give her a right rucking about that. 1974 T. Barling Shooter Man iii. 23 Ask him. It'll only cost you a few coppers and a rucking for calling him back. 1976 E. Dunphy Only a Game? v. 146 Perhaps all the rucking he was taking was getting through to him, and he started doing a little bit more. |