pugilism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun fighting with the fists
    boxing; fisticuffs.

WordNet

Pu"gil*ism noun
Etymology
L. pugil a pugilist, boxer, akin to pugnus the fist. Cf. Pugnacious, Fist.
Definitions
  1. The practice of boxing, or fighting with the fist.

Webster 1913