fist

¹

[fist]

noun

1. the hand closed tightly, with the fingers doubled into the palm.

2. Informal.,  the hand.

3. Informal.,  a person's handwriting.

4. Printing.,  index.

verb (used with object)

1. to make (one's hand) into a fist.

2. to grasp in the fist.

fist

²

[fahyst]

noun

1. feist.

fist

/ fɪst /

noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting

2. Also called: fistful. the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand

3. an informal word for hand index

verb

1. (tr) to hit with the fist

Word History and Origins

Origin of fist¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳst; cognate with German Faust fist; perhaps akin to five

Word History and Origins

Origin of fist¹

Old English fӯst ; related to Old Frisian fest , Old Saxon, Old High German fūst ; see _five

Idioms and Phrases

see hand over fist.

Example Sentences

The 79-year-old was introduced to fans over the public address system and pumped his fists in acknowledgement before saluting during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner as military jets flew over.

From BBC

One Battle After Another’ isn’t his best film — deciding that would start a real fist fight — but it’s worthy enough to claim a prize that’s long overdue.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thursday afternoon Mets’ games create more stomach aches and fist pumps.

From Los Angeles Times

Clayton Kershaw blew a kiss to his family, pounded a fist in his glove, then made the familiar trot from the Dodgers’ dugout to the Chavez Ravine mound.

From Los Angeles Times

While footage shows Morales marching back toward the agent with his fists balled, no angle clearly captures the alleged assault.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clenched fist www.thesaurus.com
• hand 
• paw