| 释义 |
prize-fighter|ˈpraɪzˌfaɪtə(r)|
[orig. f. prize n.2 + fighter, from the phr. ‘to fight a prize’ or ‘prizes’; in later use associated with prize n.1]
†a. orig. One who ‘fought a prize’ (see prize n.2); one who engaged in a public fighting-match or contest. Obs.
b. In mod. use, A professional pugilist or boxer, who fights publicly for a prize or stake; ‘one that fights publicly for a reward’ (J.).
1703Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) V. 316 Yesterday, one Cook, a prize fighter, was condemned at the Old Baily for killing a constable last May fair was twelve month. 1725St. Mary le Bow, Durham, Par. Reg., Jane, daughter of Thomas Barrett, Prize fighter, bap. 28 April. 1727Pope, etc. Art Sinking 122 It is proposed..that Mr. Figg with his prize-fighters, and Violante with the rope-dancers, be admitted in partnership. 1753Smollett Ct. Fathom (1784) 117/2 The sword..he brandished over the chevalier's head, with the dexterity of an old prize-fighter. 1796Morse Amer. Geog. II. 104 The encouragement given to prize-fighters and boxers. 1828Scott F.M. Perth xiv. 1861Sat. Rev. 7 Dec. 587 He..had the wit and luck to bring over that bulky prizefighter [Heenan] to make a sensation in England.
fig.1829Carlyle Misc. (1857) II. 17 Not that we would say Voltaire was a mere prize-fighter.
So ˈprize-ˌfighting n. and a.
1720Swift T. Tub, Hist. Martin §2 Hence the origine of that genteel custom of Prize-fighting. a1763Byrom Verses Figg & Sutton i, Long was the great Figg, by the prize Fighting Swains, Sole Monarch acknowledg'd of Marybone Plains. 1706Morse Amer. Geog. II. 108 The barbarous diversions of boxing and prize-fighting. 1878N. Amer. Rev. CXXVII. 289 Countries that have not been civilized by prize-fighting. 1890Review of Rev. II. 510/2 Prize-fighting in the ordinary sense of the term—i.e., a fight for money with fists, fought out to the bitter end—is absolutely illegal. |