rabbit punch

American  

noun

1. a short, sharp blow to the nape of the neck or the lower part of the skull.

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rabbit punch British  

noun

1. Also called (in Australia): rabbit killer.  a sharp blow to the back of the neck that can cause loss of consciousness or even death

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Etymology

Origin of rabbit punch

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Cooper deducted Williams a point for the rabbit punch, and the fight resumed.

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2017

Quigg took the round with a belting right hand, nearly spoiling it with a late rabbit punch.

From The Guardian • Feb. 27, 2016

Hopkins went down on two other occasions, from another rabbit punch and a low blow, while an accidental head butt in the eleventh round opened a gash on Jones's left eyelid.

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2010

In the verbal free-for-all that inevitably followed this first darting rabbit punch, Edith more than proved her talent for infighting, and soon attracted the attention of an important matchmaker.

From Time Magazine Archive

White House Press Spokesman Larry Speakes attempted an ungallant rabbit punch of his own.

From Time Magazine Archive