rattening
/ˈrat(ə)nɪŋ/ /ˈratnɪŋ/Now historical
noun
The action or practice of taking away tools, sabotaging machinery, etc., especially to enforce compliance with trade union rules; an instance of this.
- Chiefly associated with Sheffield..
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Leeds Mercury. From ratten + -ing.