Search results for 'punch':

Punch noun a humpbacked hook-nosed puppet character in the traditional show called Punch and Judy. pleased as Punch extremely pleased.
ETYMOLOGY: 18c: from Italian Pulcinella a commedia dell'arte character.

punch¹ verb (punched, punching) 1 tr & intr to hit someone or something with the fist. 2 especially US & Austral to poke or prod with a stick; to drive (cattle, etc). 3 to prod, poke or strike smartly, especially with a blunt object, the foot, etc • McCoist punched the ball into the back of the net. noun (punches) 1 a blow with the fist. 2 vigour and effectiveness in speech or writing. pack a punch see under pack¹.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: a variant of pounce¹.

punch² noun (punches) 1 a tool for cutting or piercing holes or notches, or stamping designs, in leather, paper, metal, etc. 2 a tool for driving nail-heads well down into a surface. verb (punched, punching) 1 to pierce, notch or stamp something with a punch. 2 computing, old use to use a key punch to record (data) on (a card or tape).
ETYMOLOGY: 15c: shortened from puncheon a piercing tool.

punch³ noun (punches) a drink, usually an alcoholic one, made up of a mixture of other drinks, which can be served either hot or cold.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: said to be from Hindi panch five, as the drink was originally made from five ingredients (spirits, water, lemon juice, sugar and spice).

punch⁴ or Punch noun (punches) a short-legged draughthorse, usually chestnut in colour • a Suffolk Punch.
ETYMOLOGY: 19c.