fisticuff

noun

fist·​i·​cuff
ˈfistə̇ˌkəf,
-tēˌ-
plural -s
1
: a blow with the fist or hand
2
fisticuffs plural but singular or plural in construction : a fight with the fists : boxing
intervillage or camp disputes were settled by fisticuffs—R. P. Schaedel

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier fisty cuff, from fisty + cuff (blow)

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fisticuff was in 1600

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Dictionary Entries Near fisticuff

fistic

fisticuff

fisticuffer

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Fisticuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fisticuff. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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