Sentence:  "They're <WSD>chevying</WSD> that poor animal [a dog] again," he said hotly. "It's scandalous." / "Rupert can take care of himself," said the mate calmly, continuing his meal. "I expect, if the truth's known, it's him 's been doin' the <WSD>chevying</WSD>." 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To vex or harass with petty attacks.