vbl. sb. [f. FOX v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the vb., in various senses.
c. 1220. Bestiary, 433.
| And in ure skemting | |
| he doð raðe a foxing. |
1742. Lond. & Country Brew., I. (ed. 4), 43. Foxing is a Misfortune, or rather a Disease in Malt Drinks, occasioned by divers Means.
1868. Chambers’ Encycl., I. 809. The sugar in the worts will become partially converted into acetic acid, or, as it is termed, foxing occurs.
1873. N. & Q., Ser. IV. XI. 216. Is there any known means to prevent foxing in books?
1877. Hallock, Sportsman’s Gazetteer, 17. With us of the North, foxing is by some followed during the late fall and winter, for the skins of the animal, which bring a fair price in market.
2. concr. (See quots. and FOX v. 6.)
1865. Mrs. Whitney, Gayworthys, II. 75. Say wore cloth boots with patent foxings; nice, bright, trim little things, thick-enough, but delicate looking.
1874. Knight, Dict. Mech., I. 912/1. Foxing. (Shoemaking.) 1. An outer covering or upper leather over the usual upper. 2. Ornamental strips of a different material on the uppers of shoes.
