rabbit punch

American  

noun

1. a short, sharp blow to the nape of the neck or the lower part of the skull.

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rabbit punch British  

noun

1. Also called (in Australia): rabbit killer.  a sharp blow to the back of the neck that can cause loss of consciousness or even death

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Etymology

Origin of rabbit punch

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Cooper deducted Williams a point for the rabbit punch, and the fight resumed.

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2017

Quigg took the round with a belting right hand, nearly spoiling it with a late rabbit punch.

From The Guardian • Feb. 27, 2016

Hopkins went down on two other occasions, from another rabbit punch and a low blow, while an accidental head butt in the eleventh round opened a gash on Jones's left eyelid.

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2010

White House Press Spokesman Larry Speakes attempted an ungallant rabbit punch of his own.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the verbal free-for-all that inevitably followed this first darting rabbit punch, Edith more than proved her talent for infighting, and soon attracted the attention of an important matchmaker.

From Time Magazine Archive