hurley
(ˈhɜːlɪ)
Also hurly.
[f. hurl v.]
1. The Irish game of ‘hurling’; hockey.
| 1841 S. C. Hall Ireland I. 256 The great game in Kerry, and indeed throughout the south, is the game of ‘Hurley’. Ibid. I. 194 Playing ‘hurly’ on the surface of the waters. 1861 N. A. Woods Pr. Wales Canada 129 La Crosse, a species of hurley, except that to the end of the stick is attached a small purse net, in which the ball may be caught, and so carried to the goal. 1893 [see hurling vbl. n. 2 b]. |
2. The stick or club used in this game; a hockey-stick; a club or cudgel of the same shape.
| 1825 [see hurlet]. 1841 S. C. Hall Ireland I. 257 The players..are arranged..in two opposing ranks, with their hurleys crossed, to await the tossing up of the ball. 1887 Standard 19 Sept. 3/6 ‘Hurleys’ are made of ash, and are used for playing the national game of that name. 1891 Pall Mall G. 29 Oct. 5/1 Mr. Dillon was welcomed by a numerous concourse of Nationalists, carrying torches and hurleys. |
3. The ball used in ‘hurling’.
| 1856 Kane Arct. Expl. II. xxi. 206 They were contending to drive a hurley, made out of the round knob of a flopper-joint. |