Pugilistic

Origin

pugilist + -ic, alternatively pugil + -istic.

Full definition of pugilistic

Adjective

1. in the manner of a pugilist
• 1898, H. G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, 1962 ed., Penguin Books, p. 101It was no time for pugilistic chivalry, and my brother laid him quiet with a kick, and gripped the collar of the man who pulled at the slender lady's arm.
2. fighting with the fists

Derived terms

• pugilistically