Pugilist

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpjuː.dÊ’É™l.ɪst/
• US IPA: /ˈpju(ː).dÊ’É™l.ɪst/

Origin

1790, Latin pugil ("boxer") + -ist, related to pugnus ("fist"),

Online Etymology Dictionary

from Proto-Indo-European roots. Compare contemporary pugilism ("boxing") (1791).

Full definition of pugilist

Noun

1. One who fights with his fists; especially a professional prize fighter; a boxer.

Usage notes

A rather fancy term, and may be considered pretentious, the simpler term boxer is much more common.

Derived terms

• pugilistic

Related terms

• pugilism
• pugnacious