boxing someone's ears

Verb

box someone's ears (third-person singular simple present boxes someone's ears, present participle boxing someone's ears, simple past and past participle boxed someone's ears)

1. (idiomatic) To slap someone on the side of the head, usually as an informal punishment.
   • "Was it the Matron's practice to box the girls' ears whilst you were at the Home?"
     "I have seen her do so. She came into the workroom one day when, I think, A— was there. I know it was one of the bigger girls. I took particular notice, because I had never seen anyone using both hands before."
     "You...1908 Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives of New Zealand. 1908, report of commission Te Oranga Home p.53