pugilism

/ˈpjuʤəlɪzəm/

Pugilism is another name for the sport of boxing. If you're a fan of pugilism, you probably enjoy watching people punch each other while wearing boxing gloves.

If you're thinking about taking up a new sport and a friend suggests pugilism, she's talking about boxing. If you take up pugilism, you'll learn the footwork to use in a ring, and how to hold your gloves to protect your body and punch your opponent. Pugilism comes from the Latin word pugil, "boxer or fist fighter," a close relative of pugnus, "fist."

Definitions of pugilism

1. noun

   boxing with bare fists
   synonyms: boxing, fisticuffs

   types:

   professional boxing

   boxing for money

   in-fighting

   boxing at close quarters

   fight

   a boxing or wrestling match

   rope-a-dope

   a boxing tactic: pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches

   spar, sparring

   making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer

   type of:

   contact sport

   a sport that necessarily involves body contact between opposing players