Bullbaiter: meaning, definitions and examples
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bullbaiter
[ ˈbʊlˌbeɪtər ]
historical term
A bullbaiter is a person who engages in the sport of bull-baiting, which was a cruel and bloodthirsty form of entertainment in which a bull would be tethered and attacked by dogs. This practice was popular in certain parts of Europe, particularly England, until it was banned in the early 19th century due to animal cruelty concerns.
Synonyms
bull-handler, bullfighter.
Examples of usage
- The bullbaiter set up the arena for the event.
- Many bullbaiters were criticized for their brutal methods.
- The local authorities cracked down on bullbaiters after the new laws were passed.
Etymology
The term 'bullbaiter' has its roots in the combination of the word 'bull' and 'baiter'. The word 'bull' derives from the Old English 'bula', which referred to a male bovine animal, while 'baiter' originates from the verb 'to bait', meaning to set upon or attack. Bullbaiting as a sport dates back to medieval times, with records indicating its popularity from the 12th century onward. It was often attended by large crowds and utilized specific breeds of dogs that were trained to grip and hold onto the bull. The practice raised significant ethical concerns, leading to widespread criticism and eventual legislation outlawing it in the early 19th century, notably with the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 in England. Despite its banning, the term 'bullbaiter' remained in historical and cultural discussions surrounding the topic of animal rights and historical sporting practices.