▪ I. hauling, vbl. n.
(ˈhɔːlɪŋ)
[f. haul v. + -ing1.]
a. The action of pulling, dragging, or traction.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 4 The Marshall is to..see Justice executed..ducking at Yards arme, hawling vnder the Keele. 1658–9 Burton's Diary (1828) III. 134 There will be hauling and pulling, and irregular proceedings. 1731 Swift Adv. Repealing Test Wks. 1841 II. 243/2 Pullings and haulings backward and forward. 1884 West. Morn. News 2 Aug. 8/1 The hauling down of the signal. |
b. attrib. and Comb. hauling-ground, a place where bachelor seals congregate, distinguished from the rookery or ground occupied by breeding seals.
| 1791 Selby Bridge Act 3 To..make any hauling roads. 1793 Smeaton Edystone L. §212 The hawling track for the navigation by horses. 1837 Marryat Dog-fiend x, He is drawn aft by a hauling line. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Hauling down vacancy, the colloquialism expressive of the promotion of a flag-lieutenant and midshipman on an admiral's hauling down his flag. 1898 D. S. Jordan Fur Seals i. 36 Adjoining the breeding grounds and an essential part of each rookery are what are known as the ‘hauling grounds’ of the bachelors, frequented by the young males of the ages of 5 years and under. 1960 Canad. Audubon Jan.–Feb. 2/2 Localities where sea lions come ashore for purposes other than breeding or pupping are called ‘hauling grounds’. |
▪ II. hauling, ppl. a.
[-ing2.]
That hauls.
| 1891 T. Hardy Tess I. 170 A driver sitting upon one of the hauling horses. |