Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

Queensberry rules

British  
/ ˈkwiːnzbərɪ-, -brɪ /

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.

See Examples For:

This turns out to be a bit like debating the Queensberry rules of boxing in the middle of a barroom brawl.

From The Guardian ● May 2, 2019

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

I do not say that all Cissy Carter's blows were strictly according to Queensberry rules.

From The Suprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With Those of General Napoleon Smith by S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com