Pronunciation: [lˈɛðəɹɪŋ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "leathering" is often confused as it can be spelled with either "ea" or "a." However, the correct spelling is with "ea" (le-a-ther-ing) as it comes from the root word "leather." The IPA phonetic transcription for "leathering" is /ˈlɛðərɪŋ/. This means that the stress is on the first syllable "le" and it is pronounced with the "th" sound rather than a "d" sound in some dialects.
Leathering is a term often used in the context of combat sports and refers to a specific technique or style of striking an opponent with repeated blows using a closed fist. This term is most commonly used in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), where fighters aim to land numerous punches with force and accuracy to overwhelm their opponent.
To "leather" someone means to hit them continually and forcefully with punches, trying to inflict damage and knock them out or gain a clear advantage. This technique involves a rapid succession of punches, targeting various areas of the body, especially the head and torso.
Leathering requires a combination of speed, precision, and power, with the fighter utilizing their fists to strike with full force while maintaining proper technique and defensive posture. It typically involves a mix of jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts, executed in quick succession to disrupt the opponent's defenses and overwhelm them.
The term "leathering" may also sometimes be used more casually or figuratively to describe a forceful or aggressive action that overwhelms or dominates someone or something, beyond the realm of combat sports. This usage might be applied in situations such as a sports team "leathering" their opponents, or someone "leathering" through a difficult task with vigor and determination.
A beating or thrashing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "leathering" is derived from the noun "leather", which originated from the Old English word "leðer". This word has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lethran", which means "leather". The term "leathering" refers to the process or act of making or treating leather, typically by tanning animal skin.
