box someone's ears

Meaning: (idiomatic)Toslapsomeone on thesideof thehead, usually as aninformalpunishment.1908Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives of New Zealand. 1908, report of commission Te Oranga Home p.53"Was it the Matron's practice tobox the girls' earswhilst 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 mean inboxing both ears?""Yes, first one hand and then the other""Was that the Matron?""Yes. I did not know anything had happened until presently I heard a noise, and then I walked out of the room." . . ."Was it a matter of notoriety amongst the staff that the Matron was in the habit ofboxing the girls' ears?""I think the staff all know it."

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