1. plural of bullbaiting; instances or events of the practice of setting dogs to attack or harass a bull for sport or entertainment
Usage: historical; archaic; considered cruel and inhumane by modern standards

Examples

• Bullbaitings were popular spectacles in medieval and early modern England.
• The cruel practice of bullbaitings was eventually outlawed in the 19th century.
• Historical records document numerous bullbaitings held in town squares across Europe.
• Animal welfare advocates point to the abolition of bullbaitings as an early victory for animal protection.