bat-fowl, v.
(ˈbætˌfaʊl)
[app. f. bat n.2 + fowl v., as if to go a fowling with bats or clubs. Perhaps afterwards associated with bat the nocturnal animal.]
1. To catch birds at night by dazing them with a light, and knocking them down or netting them.
c 1440 Promp. Parv. 26 Batfowlyn (v.r. or go to take birdes in the nyght), aucubaculo. 1538 Leland Itin. VII. 143 There they bat Fowle, and kil many Birdes. 1611 Cotgr., Breller, to batfowle; to catch birds by batfowling. |
2. (See bat-fowling vbl. n.)