fisticuffs

/ ˈfɪstɪˌkʌfs /

plural noun

1. combat with the fists

Word History and Origins

Origin of fisticuffs¹

C17: probably from fisty with the fist + _cuff ²

Example Sentences

Alas, they can’t agree on how to get it: fisticuffs or flattery.

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We wander back wet, down to Castillo Square, down to the ghosts of Bar Milano, a stand-in for Bar Torino, and Café Suizo, where the fiesta unravels in insults, a love polygon and fisticuffs.

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When villains use it to frame Tony for extorting money from a hospital and threaten Tali’s life, Tony and Ziva are dragged back into a life of running, shooting, reckless driving and fisticuffs.

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When we visited, Mr Singh and his colleagues were preparing the venue for actual, not verbal, fisticuffs - a 300-seat sell out white collar boxing night.

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He engages in fisticuffs when the situation requires it.

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