[f. BOX v.2 + -ING1.]
1. The action of fighting with fists; now usually applied to a pugilistic encounter in which the hands are covered with well-padded leather gloves. Also transf. of the action of animals.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 115, ¶ 8. This … gives a Man all the pleasure of Boxing, without the Blows.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., We may distinguish three species of boxing; the first, where both the hands and head were absolutely naked, as is practised among us.
1824. W. Irving, T. Trav., I. 343. The noble science of boxing keeps up the bulldog courage of the nation.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., II. xv. 164. The hugging, pawing, and boxing, which characterize the black and grisly bears.
2. attrib. and in comb., as boxing-glove, -match, etc.
1714. Spect., No. 629, ¶ 17. He … hath had six Duels and four and twenty Boxing-Matches in Defense of his Majesty’s Title.
1813. Examiner, 11 Jan., 26/2. The Professor … put himself in a boxing attitude.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), V. 398. We should put on boxing-gloves, that the blows and the wards might be practised.
