Pugilisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The art or skill of fighting with one's fists, often in a formal setting or as a sport
2. a term used to describe the practice of boxing and the techniques involved
3. the broader concept of hand-to-hand combat emphasizing the use of fists and striking techniques

Etymology: "Pugilisms" is the plural of "pugilism," the practice of fighting with the fists. The root is the Latin "pugil," meaning "fist," which is related to "pugnus," also meaning "fist." The "-ism" suffix marks it as a doctrine, practice, or art, so the noun names fighting as a discipline rather than a single blow. The base word has a sibling in "pugilist," meaning a boxer, which is recorded from 1790. "Pugilism" came first as the general name for the art, and "pugilist" was built to name the person who practiced it.

Synonyms: boxing, fighting, sparring, combat, brawling