PUNCH  . (I) To

pierce, perforate, make a hole or stamp a mark, &c., with a tool known as a " puncheon " or " punch." The verb is derived from the substantive; the original is Lat. punctio, a pricking, from pungere, to prick . This gave Ital. punzone, O . Fr. poinson, mod. poincon . Both these French forms mean also a cask, from which the English "puncheon," a liquid measure varying in capacity from 72 to 120 gallons is taken . This is probably the same word as that for the tool, and refers to a mark or sign stamped or " punched " on the cask . The origin may therefore be paralleled by the explanation of " hogshead " as referring to a mark of an " oxhead " branded on the measure . (2) To beat or hit, especially in such colloquialisms, as " to punch one's head." This is not the same word as (I) but is a shortened form of " punish," from Lat. punire, of which the ultimate origin is poena, penalty, from which is derived " pain." (3) The name of a drink, composed of spirits, water, sliced lemons or limes, or lemon-juice, together with sugar and spice, and served hot . According to the spirit with which it is made, it is known as brandy, whisky, rum punch, &c . Milk-punch is made of milk and spirit, bottled and served cold . The word is the English representative of the Hindostani punch, five (from the number of ingredients), and was introduced from the East .