[f. BUTT v.1 + -ING1.]
1. The action of thrusting or striking violently with the head or horns; also attrib.
1661. Lovell, Hist. Anim. & Min., 115. Rams … may be made to leave off their butting.
1858. Geo. Eliot, Sc. Cleric. Life, 214. Mr. Dempster … poked his head forward with a butting motion by way of bow.
2. dial. (see quot.)
1602. Carew, Cornwall, 73 b. Hee that is once possessed of the ball [in ‘hurling’], hath his contrary male waiting…. The other thrusteth him in the breast, with his closed fist to keepe him off: which they call Butting.
