hare and hounds

American  

noun

1. an outdoor game in which certain players, the hares, start off in advance on a long run, scattering small pieces of paper, called the scent, with the other players, the hounds, following the trail so marked in an effort to catch the hares before they reach a designated point.

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hare and hounds British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a game in which certain players ( hares ) run across country scattering pieces of paper that the other players ( hounds ) follow in an attempt to catch the hares

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Etymology

Origin of hare and hounds

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

On Friday morning the pilots took part in a "hare and hounds" race where the lead balloon lands and puts down a cross marker.

From BBC

But far from underrating the caged fox or anise-seed bag, hare and hounds would seem to afford the better sport.

From Project Gutenberg

"Like hare and hounds, sir," said Farnworth with a forced laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

Talk of hare and hounds! no game was ever run like that.

From Project Gutenberg

Little children playing hare and hounds, heedless of their steps, fell in, and came out gasping, almost choked with foul mud.

From Project Gutenberg