fisticuffs

/ ˈfɪstɪˌkʌfs /

plural noun

1. combat with the fists

Word History and Origins

Origin of fisticuffs¹

C17: probably from fisty with the fist + cuff ²

Example Sentences

In and out of the lineup down the stretch, Rempe — who didn’t fight much in the junior Western Hockey League known for toughness — wants to prove he can stick around for more than just fisticuffs.

From Seattle Times

But from my perspective, if one of my deputies is getting his butt kicked and it’s a fisticuffs, you have a right to defend yourself.

From Los Angeles Times

When a onetime private detective sits down to question a former spy and confessed performance artist, you might expect some verbal fisticuffs, a bit of bobbing and weaving or defensive prickliness.

From New York Times

Then, everyone was in fisticuffs over the fence.

From Los Angeles Times

And if players are wary of using payback fights as a deterrence tool, there’s little reason left for allowing fisticuffs.

From Seattle Times