"Worried by an ass"?

[Alexander.]

This is a burial record for a relative, 1823 in Woodborough, Notts.

In the margin it looks like it says "worried by an Ass". What could this mean??

[Mabel Bagshawe]

Attacked by a donkey? I suppose getting trampled or kicked could lead to infection and death?

Worrying is a term I associate with dogs attacking sheep, but may have had wider application in the past?

[mckha489]

Red boxed, but posting this link anyway re dogs worrying sheep.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/dealing-dogs-worry-livestock

I agree, attacked by a donkey

[arthurk]

According to a brief report in the Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser of 16 Aug 1823 he died "of a locked jaw" (presumably tetanus) as a result of injuries received when he was "suddenly attacked, bitten and mutilated" by his own ass. There may be other press reports too.

[Comberton]

Posted at the same time

[Alexander.]

Makes sense, not heard worry used in this sense before.

Thanks all.

[GR2]

In Scotland, someone found guilty of witchcraft was usually "worried at the stake" before being burnt. That meant strangled.

[Ruskie]

Fascinating. Does that mean that the ass gave Nathaniel tetanus from the bites inflicted upon him?

[Erato]

I knew someone here in Ecuador who was 'worried' by his ass - bit him, kicked him and stomped him.  We never learned what provoked the attack but we all agreed that, in any case, the %%$&/ deserved it.  He didn't die but he was a mess for a couple of weeks.