ˈbat-ˌfowling, vbl. n.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
1. The catching of birds by night when at roost.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 26 Batte fowlynge, aucubaculatus. 1530 Palsgr. 197/1 Batfoulyng, la pipée. 1610 Shakes. Temp. ii. i. 185 We vvould so, and then go a Bat-fowling. 1727 Bradley Fam. Dict. s.v. Bird, Bat fowling..may be used with nets or without. 1873 Browning Red Cotton Night-Cap Country 1405 Bat-fowling is all fair with birds at roost; The lantern and the clapnet suit the hedge. |
| fig. a 1670 Hacket Abp. Williams ii. (1692) 66 They that go a batt-fowling in the dark, to seek matter of crimination. |
† 2. slang. Swindling, victimizing the simple.
Obs.| 1602 Rowlands Greene's Cony-catchers 8 As for Coni⁓catching, they cleape it Batfowling, the wine the Strap, and the cards the Limetwigs. 1608 Dekker Belman Lond. Wks. 1885 III. 131 Sometimes likewise this Card-cheating..is called Batt fowling, and then y⊇ Setter is the Beater. |