scavengering, vbl. n.
(ˈskævəndʒərɪŋ)
[f. scavenger v. + -ing1.]
The action or work of removing filth, etc. from the streets. Also attrib.
| 1841 Literary Gaz. 11 Dec. 801/3 M. de Lucy..recommended that steam should be used for melting the snow.., in order to facilitate the process of scavengering. 1843 Penny Cycl. XXVI. 472/2 In Cairo these vultures are..prized for their scavengering services. 1860 All Year Round No. 72. 510 The..management of a barrow, as applied to scavengering, is a matter of serious moment. 1885 Daily News 31 Jan. 5/1 The scavengering alone costs 1,300l. a year. |
| fig. 1869 Echo 26 Aug. 4 It is..a sort of moral scavengering to which the Commissioners are condemned. |