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

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

Beyond that it is hard to avoid the feeling the breeding and blooding of talent is an issue, on many fronts, in an absorbing but alarmingly profligate top tier.

From The Guardian • Jan. 21, 2016

Italy, because they are blooding quite a few youngsters in the Six Nations, and they do not have a consistent enough goal kicker to capitalise on the good work of their forwards.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2015

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