Pronunciation: [fˈɒkshʌnt] (IPA) 
The word "foxhunt" is a compound noun made up of two simple nouns: "fox" and "hunt." It is usually spelled with an "x" instead of a "ks" sound, which is why the phonetic transcription is /ˈfɑksˌhʌnt/. The "f" sound is followed by the "aw" sound like in "law," and the "ks" sound is represented by the "x" in the middle. The final "t" is pronounced clearly, and the stress falls on the first syllable, "fox."
A foxhunt is an organized event or activity primarily undertaken for sport or recreation, in which participants, mounted on horses, chase a fox with the intent to capture or kill it. This traditional British hunting pursuit involves a group of riders, called hunters or the hunt, who are guided by a master of the hunt.
The foxhunt typically follows a pre-set route, known as the hunt's "amendment," which generally covers a designated area of countryside. It begins with the release of a live fox, which is followed by the hunters along with a pack of specially-trained scent hounds called foxhounds. The hunt aims to track the scent of the fox, known as the "line," relying on the keen senses of the hounds to locate and pursue the fleeing animal. The hunters, mounted on horses, negotiate various types of terrain while closely following the hounds and their progress.
Traditionally, the objective of a foxhunt was to ultimately catch and kill the fox; however, in some modern variations, the emphasis is more on the pursuit, rather than the actual capture or harm to the fox. The spectacle and excitement of the chase, as well as the social aspects of gathering together, have also become significant aspects of a foxhunt.
Foxhunting has drawn both support and controversy over the years, due to concerns about animal welfare. In some regions, there are now laws or regulations in place to regulate or ban the hunting of foxes with dogs.
The word "foxhunt" is derived from the Middle English word "foxhunte", which originated around the 15th century. It is a compound word formed by combining "fox" with "hunt". The term evolved from the practice of pursuing foxes with dogs, a popular activity in medieval and early modern England, primarily associated with sport and aristocratic pursuits.
