blooding

American  

[bluhd-ing] / ˈblʌd ɪŋ /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. (in fox hunting) an informal initiation ceremony in which the face of a novice is smeared with the blood of the first fox that person has seen killed.

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Etymology

Origin of blooding

First recorded in 1590–1600; blood + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Seen by many as an inconvenience in an already congested calendar, the EFL Cup remains essential when it comes to blooding emerging Premier League talent.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2024

Southgate offered a nod, too, to the much-criticised Roy Hodgson for blooding so many younger players during his tenure in charge.

From The Guardian • Jul. 7, 2018

Phelan is now faced with the tricky task of blooding new recruits without upsetting the players who have served him so well thus far.

From The Guardian • Sep. 9, 2016

This is in no small part due to the money the England and Wales Cricket Board have invested in blooding players for international cricket.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2012

They were relieved that night, this short spell being designed as a sort of introduction or breaking in or blooding to the game.

From Between the Lines by Cable, Boyd