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

If you had an argument with man that escalated to fisticuffs you set your weapons aside.

From The Daily Beast

The last-minute fisticuffs has left both men without a positive message.

From The Daily Beast

In the spin room here in Tampa, the verbal fisticuffs continued.

From The Daily Beast

After a particularly egregious infraction—drunken fisticuffs, for instance—she could banish a customer entirely.

From The Daily Beast

Eastside High is not the kind of place, if you come from Bergen County, New Jersey, where you want to start fisticuffs, OK?

From The Daily Beast

It had been many years since anybody on the Wabash had dared Deacon Klegg to a match in fisticuffs.

From Project Gutenberg

He engaged it wildly at fisticuffs; pounded it upon the countenance and drove it away.

From Project Gutenberg

Gus leaped up, forgetting the fright after his last fisticuffs.

From Project Gutenberg

Some gaming and some drinking, while on the forecastle two men were settling a dispute at fisticuffs.

From Project Gutenberg

But the other dropped at the interruption, turned upon Turnbull and began a battering bout of fisticuffs.

From Project Gutenberg