Pugnate
/ˈpʌɡ.neɪt/noun
An obscure or obsolete adjective meaning combative or pugnacious.
Did you know?Pugnate ultimately traces to the Proto-Indo-European root *peug-*, meaning “to prick” or “strike,” linking combat with the action of making a sharp impact.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peug-
“To prick, strike, or make a sharp impact”
Classical Latin
Latin
pugnus
“Fist”
Classical Latin
Latin
pugnāre
“To fight, especially with the fists”
Late Latin
Latin
pugnātus
“Fought or engaged in combat”
Early Modern English
English
pugnate
“Combative or pugnacious; a rare learned formation”
Modern English
English
pugnate
“An obsolete or uncommon word for fighting or pugnacious”