pugilist

[ pyoo-juh-list ]

/ ˈpyu dʒə lɪst /

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noun

a person who fights with the fists; a boxer, usually a professional.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of pugilist

First recorded in 1780–90; from Latin pugil (see pugilism) + -ist

pu·gi·lis·tic

[pyoo-juh-lis-tik] /ˌpyu dʒəˈlɪs tɪk/ adjective

The Philippines has a legacy of great pugilists who somehow never made it to the top podium.
The Philippines’ first female Olympic boxer makes her debut in Tokyo|Anne Quito|July 23, 2021|Quartz
Singer, a formidable Hollywood legal pugilist, said ultimately that “we [he and Travolta] will prevail in this action.”
Dear John, It Gets Better: A Letter to Travolta|Tim Teeman|July 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When he arrives, the ex-pugilist is in decidedly better spirits.
Mike Tyson Opens Up About His Rape Conviction, Brad Pitt, and Love of Pinkberry|Marlow Stern|November 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Lady Victoria, accompanied by a man who was unmistakably a pugilist, had entered by a side door.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton

He would retail his exciting experiences as a pugilist and a drunkard with much gusto.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
The veins stood out on the doctor's forehead as he worked with her—muscular, like a pugilist.
Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair
The activity and strength of the Frenchman were so great that a skilful pugilist would have found difficulty in handling him.
The Life of Kit Carson|Edward S. Ellis
As a pugilist might eye a recovering opponent supposed to be stunned, so Mrs. Trapp eyed Mr. Trapp.
The Adventures of Harry Revel|Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch