fist

¹ American  

[fist] / fɪst /

noun

1. the hand closed tightly, with the fingers doubled into the palm.

2. Informal. the hand.

3. Informal. a person's handwriting.

4. Printing. index.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to make (one's hand) into a fist.

2. to grasp in the fist.

fist ² American  

[fahyst] / faɪst /

noun

1. feist.

---

fist British  

/ fɪst /

noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting

2. Also called: fistful.  the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand

3. an informal word for hand index

---

verb

1. (tr) to hit with the fist

fist Idioms  

1. see hand over fist.

---

Etymology

Origin of fist

before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳst; cognate with German Faust fist; perhaps akin to five

Example Sentences

At this point, Jimin fist bumps RM, who then adds, “I just hope they take care of us and embrace us a bit more.”

From Salon

He threw a lob to Maxi Kleber for a dunk in the third quarter then pumped both of his fists.

From Los Angeles Times

The man bent forward, his hand in spite of himself reaching for the tiny fist curled around the blanket.

From Literature

He would go to sleep clutching it in his fist.

From Literature

Not just clapping, but pounding his fists against his chest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clenched fist
• hand
• paw