Coursing is the pursuit of game by dogs running by sight, not by scent. Modern coursing is mainly restricted to greyhound racing where the object is not to catch the hare, but rather a race of speed between the dogs. The first known set of English rules for coursing was drawn up in the reign of Elizabeth I by the Duke of Norfolk.
Coursing meetings were held in various localities, at which dogs were entered for a variety of stakes, as horses are at a racemeeting. When a hare was started it was allowed a certain advance on the dogs, which were then let loose from the 'slips' or cords held by the 'slipper' and fastened to the dogs' collars. A judge kept his eyes on the dogs, and noted what were called 'points,' the victory being adjudged to the dog which makes the most 'points.' Research Coursing
Abbreviations
Recreation
Research Coursing