Obs. Also 7 batling. [f. BATTLE v.3 + -ING1.]
1. The action or process of causing to grow or thrive; nourishing, feeding; fertilizing, manuring of land. b. intr. A growing fat or thriving.
1616. Surflet & Markh., Countr. Farm, 218. You shall helpe it [the earth] by such manner of batteling as hath beene spoken of.
1650. Fuller, Pisgah, II. viii. 177. A jolly dame no doubt, as appears by the well-battling of the plump boy. Ibid., II. x. 217. The well batling of the Giants bred in Philistia … attests the fertility of their soil.
2. That which ‘battles’ or nourishes; feeding, food: a. that which nourishes animals; food, victuals; b. that which fertilizes land; manure.
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 508. The fruit it selfe of the earth is a batling to the earth.
1611. Cotgr., Morche, food, victualls, cheere, batling.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Countr. Farm, 371. Anie other sort of dung or batling.
1632. Sherwood, Battling, vivres, manger, morche.
