owling meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

owling

noun

/ˈaʊ.lɪŋ/

Etymology From owl + -ing. Smuggling of sheep is so called because it was done at night, when owls call.

Birding, specifically to catch owls.

Historical The smuggling of sheep or wool out of England.

Internet A variation on planking in which a person is photographed or filmed squatting down in an unusual location.

Planking was soon replaced by owling.2012 March 28, Trey Parker, “Faith Hilling”, in South Park, season 16, episode 3, spoken by Reporter:

noun

Etymology From owl + -ling.

A small, juvenile, or baby owl; owlet.

Owls are extra hungry then, there being a batch of Greatlings or Hornlings or Owlings or whatever Great Horned Owl babies are called sitting on the edge of a nest waiting on Pa and Ma Owl to bring home the bacon.1940, Canadian Forestry Association, Forest and outdoors - Volume 36 - Page 344:
Eumeus, who was sitting on the stairs, pointed to the roof of the stable. Perched on its top, huddled together, three owlings were ogling them.1985, Romanian Review, volume 39, numbers 6-12, page 22:

1 more example

But the spotted owl isn't at the top of the food chain. Instead, the larger great horned owl will eat spotted owls, owlings, or eggs whenever it can.1994, Cascade Holistic Economic Consultants, Different drummer magazine, volume 1, number 1, page 22: