fisticuff
Americannoun
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a cuff or blow with the fist.
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fisticuffs, combat with the fists.
verb (used with or without object)
Other Word Forms
- fisticuffer noun
Etymology
Origin of fisticuff
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was not often that my siblings had true fights, but when they did, they were monster, one-on-one fisticuff affairs, and Helen had picked the Mount Everest of fighters.
From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride
He dodged Toot's pine-knot when he swung it at 'im an' then Toot laughed an' thowed it down and shook his fists at 'im, an' tol' 'im to come on for a fair fisticuff.
From Westerfelt by Harben, Will N. (William Nathaniel)
But one day, to show his own wonderful powers of fisticuff, the king summoned a crowd of his warriors to his palace, and made them form a great ring.
From O'er Many Lands, on Many Seas by Stables, Gordon
Ireland and Scotland were about to set to; Erin was going to fisticuff Gajothel.
From The Man Who Laughs by Hugo, Victor
But it was beneath the dignity thus outraged, to avenge itself by a vulgar fisticuff, and A—— bethought him of a much better and more honorable course.
From Western Characters or Types of Border Life in the Western States by Darley, F.O.C.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
