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Queensberry rules

British  
/ -brɪ, ˈkwiːnzbərɪ /

plural noun

  1. the code of rules followed in modern boxing, requiring the use of padded gloves, rounds of three minutes, and restrictions on the types of blows allowed

  2. informal gentlemanly or polite conduct, esp in a dispute

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Queensberry rules

(sense 1) C19: named after the ninth Marquess of Queensberry, who originated the rules in 1869

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.

You’re not playing by the Marquess of Queensberry rules anymore.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 5, 2019

McGregor and Mayweather say their contract states they must fight using boxing’s classic Queensberry rules.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2017

But IPNav doesn’t exactly fight using the Marquess of Queensberry rules.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2013

It's almost as if you're not playing by the Queensberry rules or something.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2013

"Marquis of Queensberry rules," said Fischer, in a low tone.

From A Cadet's Honor Mark Mallory's Heroism by Sinclair, Upton

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