v. [app. f. BAT sb.2 + FOWL v., as if to go a fowling with bats or clubs. Perhaps afterwards associated with BAT the nocturnal animal.]

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  1.  To catch birds at night by dazing them with a light, and knocking them down or netting them.

2

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 26. Batfowlyn (v.r. or go to take birdes in the nyght), aucubaculo.

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1538.  Leland, Itin., VII. 143. There they bat Fowle, and kil many Birdes.

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1611.  Cotgr., Breller, to batfowle; to catch birds by batfowling.

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  2.  (See BAT-FOWLING vbl. sb.)

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