stuffing

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstʌfɪŋ/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1a mixture used to stuff poultry or meat before cooking: sage and onion stuffing [count noun]: packet stuffings are quick to use
  • 2padding used to stuff cushions, furniture, or soft toys: the stuffing is coming out of the armchair
  • 3 [count noun] informal a heavy defeat in sport.

Phrases

knock (or take) the stuffing out of

informal severely impair the confidence or strength of (someone): rebuffs and power struggles knocked the stuffing out of him illness had knocked the stuffing out of me