Foist

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /fɔɪst/

Probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten ("to take into one’s hand"), from Middle Dutch vuysten, from vuyst ("fist"); akin to Old English fyst ("fist").

Full definition of foist

Verb

1. (transitive) To introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant.
• 2006 — Anthony Daniels (psychiatrist), The Gift of Languageattempts to foist alleged grammatical “correctness” on native speakers of an “incorrect” dialect are nothing but the unacknowledged and oppressive exercise of social control
• , William Alexander Clouston, , the Tale of Zayn al-Asnám is one of two which Galland repudiated, as having been foisted into his 8th volume without his knowledge
2. (transitive) To force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit.
3. (transitive) To pass off as genuine or worthy.
• unknown date Jonathan Spivak — foist costly and valueless products on the public

Synonyms

• fob off
• pass off
• pawn off
• palm off

Noun

1. (historical slang) A thief or pickpocket.
• 1977, Gãmini Salgãdo, The Elizabethan Underworld, Folio Society 2006, p. 54:The foist had lately arrived form the country and was known to be doing a thriving trade in and around Westminster Hall where many country folk and others came to see lawyers.

Old French fuste ("stick, boat"), from Latin fustis ("cudgel").

Noun

1. (obsolete) A light and fast-sailing ship.