master of foxhounds: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Technical (Hunting)
Quick answer
What does “master of foxhounds” mean?
The person in overall charge of a pack of foxhounds and the hunt, responsible for breeding, kennels, and the conduct of the hunt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The person in overall charge of a pack of foxhounds and the hunt, responsible for breeding, kennels, and the conduct of the hunt.
A title of office and respect within the sport of foxhunting, often held by a senior, experienced, and wealthy individual who financially supports the hunt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The role is essentially identical in the UK and US foxhunting traditions, as the latter was directly inherited. The abbreviation 'MFH' is common in both. There is a subtle difference in the associated social context.
Connotations
In the UK, the role carries strong connotations of tradition, class, and rural aristocracy. In the US, while still elite, the connotations are more associated with wealth, equestrian sport, and specific East Coast/Mid-Atlantic traditions rather than an inherited class system.
Frequency
More frequent in the UK due to the longer history and larger scale of the tradition, though still a very low-frequency term overall.
Grammar
How to Use “master of foxhounds” in a Sentence
[Person/Name] is/was Master of Foxhounds of/for the [Hunt Name] Hunt.The Master of Foxhounds, [Name], gave the signal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “master of foxhounds” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He master-of-foxhoundsed the Blankshire for a decade. (Extremely rare and non-standard)
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The Master-of-Foxhounds role is demanding. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- MFH responsibilities include the kennel budget. (Initialism as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or anthropological studies of rural British/American culture and class.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used only within foxhunting communities or reports about them.
Technical
Standard, precise term within the specific field of foxhunting and equestrian sports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “master of foxhounds”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “master of foxhounds”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “master of foxhounds”
- Using 'master of foxhounds' as a general description rather than a formal title (e.g., 'He is a master of foxhounds' vs. 'He is the Master of Foxhounds for the Blankshire Hunt.').
- Confusing it with 'Huntsman' (the professional who handles hounds day-to-day). The MFH may also be the Huntsman, but often is not.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. The Huntsman is the professional who directly handles and hunts the hounds. The Master of Foxhounds is the overall manager and often the financial patron. One person can hold both roles, but often they are separate.
Yes. The title is 'Master' regardless of gender, though some women in the role may be referred to as 'Hunt Master' or 'Lady Master' in conversation. The official title remains 'Master of Foxhounds' or 'MFH'.
No. It is highly specific to the traditional sport of hunting foxes with hounds. Other types of hunting (e.g., deer, mink) have similar roles like 'Master of Hounds' or 'Hunt Master', but 'Master of Foxhounds' is unique to foxhunting.
It originates from the historical context where the person was the literal owner ('master') of the pack of hounds and the hunt, holding ultimate authority and responsibility for it.
The person in overall charge of a pack of foxhounds and the hunt, responsible for breeding, kennels, and the conduct of the hunt.
Master of foxhounds is usually formal, technical (hunting) in register.
Master of foxhounds: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːstər əv ˈfɒkshaʊndz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæstər əv ˈfɑːkshaʊndz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To carry the horn (a duty of the MFH/Huntsman)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MASTER = person in charge, FOXHOUNDS = the dogs used for fox hunting. The MASTER of those HOUNDS.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADER AS MASTER (traditional, authoritative, responsible).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common abbreviation for 'Master of Foxhounds'?