Meaning: 'Practised' means to have engaged in an activity repeatedly or regularly over time, in this case, referring to the long-standing tradition of fox hunting.

Wrong options:

• Playing: Playing is a present participle and does not fit the past tense context of the sentence, as it implies an ongoing action rather than a completed one.
• Known: Known is a past participle but does not convey the action of engaging in the sport, making it contextually inappropriate here.
• Practising: Practising is the British English spelling of the verb form, but in this context, the past participle 'Practised' is required, making 'Practising' incorrect.

Correct answer: traditionally

Explanation: The word 'traditionally' fits well as it describes the historical context of fox hunting as an activity associated with customs and practices of the past, aligning with the overall sentiment of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Traditionally' means in a way that is based on customs or practices that have been established over time, indicating that fox hunting has a long-standing history.

Wrong options:

• believed: Believed is a past participle that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe the nature of the activity but rather suggests a belief, which is not the focus here.
• mainly: Mainly is an adverb indicating the primary aspect but does not convey the historical context needed in this sentence.
• notionally: Notionally suggests a theoretical or conceptual idea, which does not accurately reflect the established customs of fox hunting.

Correct answer: took part

Explanation: The phrase 'took part' is the correct past tense form of the verb phrase, fitting grammatically and contextually as it indicates participation in the activity by wealthy landowners and the aristocracy.

Meaning: 'Took part' means to have participated in an activity, indicating that these groups were involved in fox hunting.

Wrong options:

• take part: Take part is the present tense form and does not match the past tense context of the sentence, which requires a past action.
• taking part: Taking part is a gerund form and does not fit grammatically in this context where a past tense verb is needed.
• took apart: Took apart means to disassemble or dismantle, which is completely unrelated to the context of participation in an activity.

Correct answer: civilized

Explanation: The word 'civilized' fits contextually as it describes a society that is considered advanced and humane, aligning with the sentiment that fox hunting is seen as inappropriate in such a society.

Meaning: 'Civilized' refers to a society that is well-organized and developed, particularly in terms of social norms and ethics.

Wrong options:

• cherished: Cherished means valued or beloved, which does not fit the context of describing societal standards or norms.
• content: Content refers to a state of satisfaction, which does not relate to the societal context being discussed.
• civilian: Civilian refers to non-military individuals and does not convey the idea of societal advancement or ethical considerations.

Correct answer: repeal

Explanation: The word 'repeal' is the correct verb that means to revoke or annul a law, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the action political leaders might take regarding the law against fox hunting.

Meaning: 'Repeal' means to officially cancel a law or regulation, indicating that there is a possibility of changing the current legal stance on fox hunting.

Wrong options:

• appeal: Appeal means to make a request or plea, which does not fit the context of changing or revoking a law.
• repel: Repel means to drive away or resist, which is unrelated to the context of legal action regarding a law.
• reap: Reap means to harvest or gather, which does not apply to the context of legal actions or changes.