fisticuffs

fist·i·cuffs  (fst-kfs)

pl.n.

1. A fistfight.

2. The activity of fighting with the fists.

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[From fisty cuffs : fisty, with the fists (from fist) + cuff.]

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fisti·cuffer n.

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fisticuffs

Noun, pl

fighting with the fists [probably from obsolete fisty with the fist + cuff²]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	fisticuffs - a fight with bare fists               fistfight, slugfest fighting, combat, fight, scrap - the act of fighting; any contest or struggle; "a fight broke out at the hockey game"; "there was fighting in the streets"; "the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap" punch-up - a fistfight; "the quarrel ended in a punch-up"
	2.	fisticuffs - fighting with the fists               boxing, pugilism clinch - (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily biff, punch, lick, clout, poke, slug - (boxing) a blow with the fist; "I gave him a clout on his nose" sidestep - a step to one side (as in boxing or dancing) contact sport - a sport that necessarily involves body contact between opposing players professional boxing - boxing for money in-fighting - boxing at close quarters fight - a boxing or wrestling match; "the fight was on television last night" rope-a-dope - a boxing tactic: pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches sparring, spar - making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer boxing equipment - equipment used in boxing boxing glove, glove - boxing equipment consisting of big and padded coverings for the fists of the fighters; worn for the sport of boxing boxing ring, prize ring - a square ring where boxers fight gumshield, mouthpiece - (especially boxing) equipment that protects an athlete's mouth decision - (boxing) a victory won on points when no knockout has occurred; "had little trouble in taking a unanimous decision over his opponent" count out - declare the loser remain down, take the count - be counted out; remain down while the referee counts to ten hook - hit with a hook; "His opponent hooked him badly" cut - move (one's fist); "his opponent cut upward toward his chin"