[f. BULLY v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb to BULLY: overbearing insolence; personal intimidation; petty tyranny. Often used with reference to schoolboy life. Also attrib.
1802. G. Rose, Diaries (1860), I. 484. It is ridiculous to suppose she will mind our bullying when we cannot strike.
1829. Censor, 131. The bullying system … a system tending to brutalize the kindest natures.
1838. Dickens, O. Twist (1850), 187/2. Mr. Bumble … had a decided propensity for bullying … and, consequently, was (it is needless to say) a coward.
