punch

{{11}}punch (n.¹) "pointed tool," mid-15c., short for puncheon (mid-14c.), from O.Fr. ponchon "pointed tool, piercing weapon," from V.L. *punctionem (nom. punctio) "pointed tool," from L. punctus, pp. of pungere "to prick" (see PUNGENT (Cf. pungent)). Meaning "machine for pressing or stamping a die" is from 1620s.

{{12}}punch (n.²) "mixed drink," 1630s, traditionally said to derive from Hindi panch "five," in reference to the number of original ingredients (spirits, water, lemon juice, sugar, spice), from Skt. panchan-s.

{{12}}punch (v.) "to drive (cattle, etc.) by poking and prodding," late 14c., from O.Fr. ponchonner "to punch, prick, stamp," from ponchon "pointed tool, piercing weapon" (see PUNCH (Cf. punch) (n.¹)). Meaning "to stab, puncture" is from mid-15c. Specific meaning of "to hit with the fist" first recorded 1520s, probably influenced by punish; noun sense of "a blow with the fist" is recorded by 1570s. Noun in the figurative sense of "forceful, vigorous quality" is recorded from 1911. To beat (someone) to the punch is from 1923, a metaphor from boxing. Punch line is from 1921; punch-drunk is from 1915. To punch a ticket, etc., is mid-15c., probably from a shortening of puncheon "pointed tool," from O.Fr. ponchon.