ˈproking, vbl. n. Now only dial.
[f. proke v.1 + -ing1.]
The action of the verb proke; poking, thrusting; sniggling for eels; fig. instigation. Also attrib. as proking spit (in quot. humorously applied to a rapier), proking stick.
| a 1225 Ancr. R. 266 Heo dude one swuche sunne iðet ilke niht, þuruh his prokiunge. Ibid. 294 Þet beoð þe erest prokunges þet sturieð þe winȝeardes. 1597–8 Bp. Hall Sat. iv. iv. 57 With a broad Scot, or proking spit of Spayne. 1688 R. Holme Armoury iii. 104/1 Proking, is a kind of Fishing for Eels in their holes. 1799 G. Smith Laboratory II. 246 A sniggling or proking stick [for eels]. |