What a great thread. So sorry I just found it now. I actually knew what a leash of hounds was, but have never heard it in conjunction with scent hounds, only with sighthounds like greyhounds or Borzoi. With the Borzoi, it was more common to release three at a time.
Have we done the collective noun for foxes yet?
Skulk.
Leash.
Yes!
Also, earth.
three hounds??? Menage a trois!!!
An earth is a fox house.
Yes, and that’s why it’s also used as a collective noun for multiple foxes.
No no - that’s what the hot pen is for! Naughty hounds!
So - ladies and germs -what is a hot pen and why would a hound be in it? And why is it a good idea to have one?
What is marking? And what does the huntsman do when it happens?
A hot pen is for bitches in heat to keep them separate from the rest of the pack to avoid unwanted matings.
When the hounds mark the huntsman blows “gone to ground” on his horn
Where?
The U.S. Geological Survey, for one. And the Oxford dictionary, for another.
Geez, Equibrit, take a chill pill. I feel so bad for you.
Equibrit - I think that qualifies as a “rate”. Bad hound. Sit. Stay.
Amazing - all these folks who know how I feel!
The Oxford Dictionary sitting on my desk does not agree with your position and it’s the really
fat one. BTW, when did the U.S. Geological survey become an arbiter in the use of the english language.
You misunderstand (obviously). We’re telling you how WE feel. 
I guess you two need to go in the hot pen. If you wanna fight, go in the dressage forum and start a thread on Anky’s bra size or something.
Back to trivia/terminology:
What is a huntsman trying to do when he Lifts?
Who is “we” ?
NB. Webster also does not support your position.
(My copy of which is even fatter than the OED)
This is not a fight - merely a debate.
Can’t you tell the difference?
Debate = fun.
Fight = crass (to say the least)
He takes them to where he knows scent to be. To lift and disappoint the hounds is very bad form!
So what? Oxford DOES, and so does the USGS, and of course more. That’s good enough for me. What is your problem tonight? You want to come after me, take it private, Equibrit.
Back on topic: how about what is badger pie?
It must be a US vs UK difference - I’ve never heard of earth used as a collective term for foxes in the UK.
In the area of the UK I grew up:
Two foxes, hares or game birds = a brace.
Three foxes = brace and a half.
Two hounds = a couple
Three hounds = couple and a half
Chop = when hounds kill a fox immediately without running it.
How about “given best”
I’ve rarely heard it, but when I was looking it up one of the many sources was from New Zealand, as well as the Oxford dictionary, so it seems to be here & there. I never liked “skulk” - it seems so unfair!
Given best: when the fox wins and you stop hunting it. It is “given best,” like it got the best of the hounds this day, and the hunt for that fox is over.
Did we do leveret yet?
Wait, “leveret” should be bonus points. I’m thinking Hounds and Hunting, not exclusively FOX hounds.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
