I. ˈpənch noun
Etymology: Middle English pounce, punche, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon puncheon
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : 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)
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
II. verb
Etymology: Middle English pouncen, punchen to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : prod , poke
b. : drive , herd
punch ing cattle
2.
a. : to strike with a forward thrust especially 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
punch buttons on a jukebox
b. : to hit or press down the operating mechanism of
punch a typewriter
c. : to insert a time card into (a time clock)
d. : to produce by or as if by punching keys
punch out a tune on the piano
e. : to enter (as data) by punching keys
5. : to give emphasis to
intransitive verb
1. : to perform the action of punching something
2. : to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort
punch ed into enemy territory
• punch·er noun
III. noun
Date: 14th century
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 punch
political punch
• punch·less ˈpənch-ləs adjective
•
- to the punch
IV. noun
Etymology: perhaps from Hindi & Urdu pā̃c five, from Sanskrit pañca; akin to Greek pente five; from its originally having five ingredients — more at five
Date: 1632
: a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages ; also : a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages