The Collaborative International Dictionary
Tufthunting
Tufthunting \Tuft"hunt`ing\, n. The practice of seeking after, and hanging on, noblemen, or persons of quality, especially in English universities.
Wiktionary
tufthunting
n. (context UK slang archaic English) The practice of seeking after, and hanging on, nobleman, or persons of quality, especially in English university.