the act of smaller or weaker beasts attacking and harassing greater and stronger. In this sense we hear of the baiting of bulls or bears by maffiffs or bull-dogs with short noses, that they may take the better hold.

Utility is pled in justification of bull-baiting. This animal is rarely killed without being first baited; the chafing and exercise whereof makes his flesh tenderer and more digestible. In reality, it disposes it for putrefaction; so that, unless taken in time, bated flesh is soon lost. But a spirit of barbarism had the greatest share in supporting the sport: bulls are kept on purpose, and exhibited as standing spectacles for the public entertainment. The poor beasts have not fair play: they are not only tied down to a stake, with a collar about their necks and a short rope, which gives them not above four or five yards play; but they are disarmed too, and the tips of their horns cut off, or covered with leather, to prevent their hurting the dogs. In this sport, the chief aim of the dog is to catch the bull by the nose, and hold him down; to which end he will even creep on his belly: the bull's aim, on the contrary, is, with equal industry, to defend his nose; in order to which, he thrusts it close to the ground, where his horns are also in readiness to toss the dog.—Bull-baiting was first introduced into England as an amusement in the reign of King John, about 1209.