Bearding

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To boldly confront or challenge someone while also referring to the grooming of facial hair and the act of concealing something with hair or vegetation
2. The act of daringly confronting a person while also involving the grooming of facial hair and signifying the covering or camouflaging of an object with hair or greenery
3. The act of openly defying or challenging another person ; the process of growing or shaping facial hair on the chin and cheeks ; the practice of disguising or obscuring something by covering it with hair or plant material

Etymology: To beard someone is to confront them face to face, and the image is physical. The verb grew from the older practice of seizing an opponent by the beard, a serious insult in cultures where facial hair signalled dignity and status. Going after someone this way meant refusing to back down or sidestep. The other senses come from the same noun. Grooming a beard is the plain meaning, trimming or shaping facial hair. The sense of hiding something behind growth likely draws on the botanical use of "beard" for a tuft of stiff hairs, the kind of bristly covering that can screen what lies beneath it.

Synonyms: confronting, challenging, defying, facing, daring

Antonyms: retreating, submitting, yielding, avoiding, shunning