fist

¹

[fahyst]

noun

1. feist.

fist

²

[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

/ 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

When the authoritarian leader starts to display physical impairment, the people who have been chafing under his iron fist stop fearing him.

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And when the authoritarian leader starts to display physical impairment, the people who have been chafing under his iron fist stop fearing him.

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“I’m sorry,” Autumn signs, bringing a fist to her chest and moving it around in circles.

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The old woman thumped her fist on the tray in tempo.

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Cassiopeia rubbed both eyes vigorously with her fists.

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Related Words

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