subs. (common).—1. A beating. Also fighting.
1810. COMBE, Dr. Syntax, ii. 2. One blood gives t’other a MILLING.
1819. T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, iv. The champion of England stands unrivalled for his punishment, game, and MILLING on the retreat.
1841. CATHERINE GORE, Cecil, 158. Put myself in a Cribb-like attitude for a MILLING-match.
2. (old).—Stealing.
MILLING IN THE DARKMANS, subs. phr. (old cant).—Murder by night. See MILL, verb. 1.
1815. SCOTT, Guy Mannering, xxviii. Men were men then, and fought each other in the open field, and there was nae MILLING IN THE DARKMANS.
