benting, vbl. n.
(ˈbɛntɪŋ)
[f. bent n.1 + -ing1: cf. nutting, bird-nesting.]
1. The going after bents [see bent n.1 2 c]. benting- (benneting-) time: the time when pigeons, etc., are reduced to feed on bents; also transf.
| 1672 Ray Coll. Prov. (1678) 49 The pigeon never knoweth wo, But when she doth a benting go. 1687 Dryden Hind & P. iii. 1283 Bare benting times, and moulting Months may come. 1725 Bradley Fam. Dict. s.v. Pigeon, Be sure to feed them in hard Weather, and in Benting-time. 1752 Lisle Husb. 320 Midsummer is the oxen and cow-cattle's bennetting-time. |
2. = bent n.1 2 c; the seeding stalks of the plantain (herb).
| 1807 Vancouver Agric. Devon (1813) 357 They live upon the seeds of weeds and bentings. 1824 Forsyth Fruit Trees ix. 237, I generally cover them with bentings. |