box someone's ears

— "Was it the Matron's practice to box the girls' ears whilst you were at the Home?" "I have seen her do so. She came into the workroom one day when, I think, A— was there. I know it was one of the bigger girls. I took particular notice, because I had never seen anyone using both hands before." "You mean in boxing both ears?" "Yes, first one hand and then the other" "Was that the Matron?" "Yes. I did not know anything had happened until presently I heard a noise, and then I walked out of the room." . . . "Was it a matter of notoriety amongst the staff that the Matron was in the habit of boxing the girls' ears?" "I think the staff all know it."