punchˈer noun

1. Someone who punches
2. An instrument for punching
3. A cowpuncher or cattle drover (US)
4. The driver of a team (Aust)

punchˈy adjective

1. Vigorous, powerful
2. Punch-drunk (informal)

punchˈ-bag or (N American) punchˈing-bag noun

1. A large stuffed bag used for boxing practice
2. A person who is the target of another person's outbursts of anger (figurative)

punchˈ-ball noun

1. A suspended ball used for boxing practice
2. A game similar to baseball in which the ball is punched

punchˈboard noun

A cardboard frame divided into a number of compartments each concealing a slip of paper, some of which entitle the holder to a prize

punchˈ-card or punched card noun

A card with perforations representing data, formerly used in the operation of computers

punchˈ-drunk adjective

1. Having a form of cerebral concussion from past blows in boxing, with results resembling drunkenness
2. Dazed (informal short form punchˈy)

punched tape noun (computing)

Same as paper tape (see under paper)

punching-bag see punch-bag above.

punchˈline noun

1. The last line or conclusion of a joke, in which the point lies
2. The last part of a story, giving it meaning or an unexpected twist

punchˈ-prop noun (mining)

A short piece of wood used as a prop

punchˈ-up noun

A fight with fists

pull one's punches

1. To hold back one's blows
2. To be deliberately less hard-hitting in one's criticism than one might be