the exercise of fighting with the fists, either naked or with a stone or leaden ball grasped in them: in which sense, boxing coincides with the pugilatus of the Romans, and what on our amphitheatres is sometimes called trial of manhood. When the champions had σταίραι, or balls, whether of lead or stone, it was properly denominated σταίραινα. The ancient boxing differed from the pugna castrum, in which the combatants had leathern thongs on their hands, and balls to offend their antagonists; though this distinction is frequently overlooked, and fighting with the castrum ranked as a part of the business of pugilati. We may distinguish three species of boxing; viz. where both the head and hands were naked; where the hands were armed and the head naked; and where the head was covered with a kind of cap called amphotides, and the hands also furnished with the caestus.

Boxing is an ancient exercise, having been in use in the heroic ages. Those who prepared themselves for it, used all the means that could be contrived to render themselves fat and fleshy, that they might be better able to endure blows: whence corpulent men or women were usually called pugilites, according to Terence: Siqua est habitudine paulo, pugilem esse aiunt.

In modern times this art has been in a manner appropriated by the English. About half a century ago it formed as regular an exhibition as we now see at any of the places of public amusement, the theatres alone excepted. It was encouraged by the first ranks of the nobility, patronised by the first subject in the realm, and tolerated by the magistrates. Before the establishment of Broughton's amphitheatre, a Booth was erected at Tottenham Court, in which the proprietor, Mr George Taylor, invited the professors of the art to display their skill, and the public to be present at its exhibition. The bruisers then had the reward due to their prowess, in a division of the entrance-money, which sometimes was 100, or 150l. The general mode of sharing was for two thirds to go to the winning champion, while the remaining third was the right of the loser; though sometimes by an express agreement of the parties, the conqueror and the vanquished shared alike. The nobility and gentry having complained of the inconveniences sustained at Taylor's Booth, prevailed on Mr Broughton, who was then rising into note as the first bruiser in London, to build a place better adapted for such exhibitions. This was accordingly done in 1742, principally by subscription, behind Oxford-road. The building was called Broughton's New Amphitheatre; and, besides the stage for the combatants, had seats corresponding to the boxes, pit, and galleries, much in the same manner with those at Astley's. After a couple of years, however, these exhibitions became gradually less patronised and frequented, owing probably to the refinement of our manners. Lately, indeed, they seemed to be revived, and for some time considerably engaged the attention of the public; but a fatal illuse which attended one of them, brought the practice again into disrepute. One of the combatants was killed on the spot. His royal highness the Prince of Wales was present, and declared that he would have some settlement made on the nearest relation of the deceased, but that on account of the dreadful example he had then witnessed he would never more either see or patronise another stage-fight.

Boxing, among sailors, is used to denote the rehearsing the several points of the compass in their proper order.

Boxing is also used for the tapping of a tree to make Boyce make it yield its juice. The boxing of maple is performed by making an hole with an ax or chisel into the side of the tree about a foot from the ground; out of it flows a liquor of which sugar is made.

**BOXTENHUSE**, a town of Germany, in the circle of Lower Saxony, subject to the Danes. It is seated on the rivulet Elbe, which falls into the Elbe, in E. Long. 9° 35', N. Lat. 53° 40'.