PUNCH, noun [Latin punctum, pungo.] An instrument of iron or steel, used in several arts for perforating holes in plates of metal, and so contrived as to cut out a piece. PUNCH, noun A drink composed of water sweetened with sugar, with a mixture of lemon juice and spirit. PUNCH, noun The buffoon or harlequin of a puppet show. [See Punchinello.] PUNCH, noun A well set horse with a short back, thin shoulders, broad neck, and well covered with flesh. 1. A short fat fellow. PUNCH, verb transitive [Latin pungo.] 1. To perforate with an iron instrument, either pointed or not; as, to punch a hole in a plate of metal. 2. In popular usage, to thrust against with something obtuse; as, to punch one with the elbow.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI