PUNCH

I. noun Etymology: Middle English pounce, ~e, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon ~eon Date: 14th century 1. a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (as forming, perforating, embossing, or cutting), a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface, a steel die faced with a letter in relief that is forced into a softer metal to form an intaglio matrix from which foundry type is cast, a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard), a hole or notch from a perforating operation, II. verb Etymology: Middle English pouncen, ~en to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. prod , poke , drive , herd , 2. to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist, to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a ~, to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing, to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a ~, 4. to push down so as to produce a desired result , to hit or press down the operating mechanism of , to insert a time card into (a time clock), to produce by or as if by ~ing keys , to enter (as data) by ~ing keys, to give emphasis to, intransitive verb to perform the action of ~ing something, to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort , ~er noun III. noun Date: 14th century the action of ~ing, a quick blow with or as if with the fist, effective energy or forcefulness , ~less adjective IV. noun see: five Date: 1632 a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages