pugilist
UK: ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst | US: ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst
n. a person who fights with the fists; a boxer, especially a professional one.
pugilist = pug<fight> + ilist<noun suffix indicating a person>
- pug (from Latin pugnus meaning "fist" or "fight")
- ilist (a suffix derived from Latin -ista, indicating someone who practices or is skilled in something)
Etymology Origin:
The word pugilist traces back to Latin pugil, meaning "boxer" or "fighter," derived from pugnus (fist). The suffix -ist was later added in English to denote a practitioner, creating a term for a professional boxer. The evolution reflects the sport's historical roots in hand-to-hand combat.
The famous pugilist trained rigorously for the championship match.
In ancient Rome, a pugilist often fought bare-knuckled in brutal contests.
She admired the discipline and skill of the veteran pugilist.
Modern pugilists wear protective gear to minimize injuries.
The documentary explored the life of a 19th-century pugilist.