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Pugno

Pugno is an Italian noun meaning a fist or a punch. It can describe the clenched hand used to strike, and it is also used figuratively to denote force, power, or coercive control, as in expressions like pungo di ferro, commonly translated as iron fist.

Etymology and related forms: the word derives from Latin pugnus, meaning fist, and is related to other

Usage and common phrases: in everyday language, pugno can refer to a physical strike or to a

Surname and cultural presence: Pugno also exists as an Italian surname and may appear in various personal

See also: pugilism, pugilist, pugile.

terms
such
as
pugnare
(to
fight)
and
pugile
(boxer).
The
root
pugn-
appears
in
various
Italian
and
Romance-language
words
connected
with
fighting
or
combat.
symbolic
show
of
strength.
It
appears
in
idioms
such
as
un
pugno
di
minuti
or
un
pugno
di
persone,
used
to
indicate
a
small
quantity,
roughly
“a
handful
of
minutes”
or
“a
handful
of
people.”
The
term
also
anchors
compound
expressions
that
describe
severity
or
firmness,
for
example
an
authority
described
as
having
a
“pugno
duro”
or
“pugno
di
ferro.”
names,
literary
titles,
or
historical
references
within
Italian-speaking
contexts.
As
a
common
noun
and
name
element,
it
maintains
its
primary
association
with
the
ideas
of
the
fist,
fight,
and
strength
in
both
literal
and
metaphorical
uses.