Obs. [f. CAMP v.1]
1. Fighting in CAMP-FIGHT or single combat.
[Perh. taken by Caxton from Flemish kampen.]
1481. Caxton, Reynard (Arb.), 102. Reynard the foxe thought how come I on this Campyng, we ben not bothe lyke.
2. Contending, fighting.
1549. Prayer-bk. Troubles (1884), 148. Leave off … good countrymen, your camping at your own doors, and bestow that your stoutness of courage … against your enemies.
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 410/2. A yong and a stout prelat, more fitter for the camping cure, then for the peaceable church of Christ.
3. Contending in a camp-ball match; foot-ball playing. Also attrib., as in camping-ball.
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. Poems (1840), 200. Bolsteryd out of lenghth and breed, Lyche a large campyng balle.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 60. Campynge, pedipiludium.
1466. Deed, in Sir J. Cullum, Hist. Hawsted (1813), 124. The camping pightel joined to the East side of the churchyard.
1567. Drant, Horace’s A. P., B iv. The stoole ball, top, or camping ball if suche one should assaye As hath no mannour skill therin … They all would … laughe at hym aloude.
1840. Spurdens, Supp. Forby’s Voc. East. A., s.v., I have heard old persons speak of a celebrated camping, Norfolk against Suffolk, on Diss Common, with 300 on each side…. The Suffolk men, after 14 hours, were the victors. Nine deaths were the result of the contest, within a fortnight. These were called fighting camps: for much boxing was practised in them.
