Obs. Falconry. [f. BEACH v.2 + -ING1.] A small meal or ‘feed,’ given only as a whet to appetite.
1561. Daus, trans. Bullinger on Apoc. (1573), 222. Small pittances or beachings to feede them wyth, tyll þe great supper be geeuen them.
1575. Turberv., Falconrie, 84. Feede hir with pullets flesh … as much as shall be sufficient for a beaching.
1727–38. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Falcon, Give her a little beaching of warm meat [ed. 1751 a little hot meat].
