punchbagn.
/ˈpʌn(t)ʃbaɡ/, U.S. /ˈpən(t)ʃˌbæɡ/ 1. A stuffed cylindrical bag suspended at a suitable height for punching as boxing training or exercise.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > punchbag
bag1858
punchbag1885
punchball1888
heavy bag1950
speedball1955
1885 Manitoba Daily Free Press 17 Feb. 4/1 He brought with him a new punch bag for the use of the Winnipeg Boxing Club.
1927 Daily Express 20 July 9/7 His trainer..ordered Dempsey not to box, but to use the punch bag and to shadow box.
1945 Broons & Oor Wullie: Rare Treat (2001) 59/3 Let's have a shottie at the punch bag—you try it first.
2003 Muscle & Fitness Jan. 164/1 Working the punchbag..combines cardio work, strength training, timing balance and boxing skills training into one fitness activity.
2. A person who regularly receives criticism, punishment, or abuse, esp. if undeserved; a target for aggression or hostility. Also: a person who serves as a physical target (e.g. in a sport). Cf. punchball n. 1b.
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1898 Sunday State Jrnl. (Lincoln, Nebraska) 17 July 4/7 I notice..that a worthy Missouri paper comes out in an editorial smash at the governmental punch bag.
1955 Times 20 July 3/1 Bennet served as punchbag for Trueman until he was bowled.
1992 Time Out 22 Apr. 45/4 Siri, Frida and Harriet—all comely punchbags to his caustic jealousy and sexual hangups.
2004 S. Hyde Darkside Zodiac 117 A live-in punchbag, always available to be criticized, nagged, and picked to pieces.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1885