[punch] vb [ME, fr. MF poinconner to prick, stamp, fr. poincon puncheon] vt (14c) 1 a: prod, poke b: drive, herd "~ing cattle"
2. a: to strike with a forward thrust esp. of the fist b: to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch c: to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing
3: to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch
4. a: to push down so as to produce a desired result "~ buttons on a jukebox" b: to hit or press down the operating mechanism of "~ a time clock" "~ a typewriter" c: to produce by or as if by punching keys "~ out a tune on the piano" d: to enter (as data) by punching keys
5: to give emphasis to ~ vi: to perform the action of punching something -- punch.er n
[2]punch n (14c) 1: the action of punching
2: a quick blow with or as if with the fist
3: effective energy or forcefulness "a story that packs a ~" "political ~" -- punch.less adj -- to the punch : to the first blow or to decisive action--usu. used with beat [3]punch n [prob. short for puncheon] (14c) 1 a: a tool usu. 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) b: a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface c: 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 d: a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)
2: a hole or notch from a perforating operation [4]punch n [perh. fr. Hindi pac five, fr. Skt panca; akin to Gk pente five; fr. its orig. having five ingredients--more at five] (1632): a hot or cold drink that is usu. a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages; also: a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages