punt (1)

i. [Fr. ponter, from ponte =a punt, from Sp. punto a point (q. v.).] To play at ba et and omber. punt (2), v. t. & i. [PUNT, 8.] A. Transitive : 1. To propel by pushing along with a pole through the water; to force along by pushing. B. In trans.: To push a punt along. punt (3), v . t . & i. [Etym. doubtful.] punt punt (8), 8. [PUNT (3), v.] Football : Letting the ball fall from the hands and kicking it before it touches the ground. punt-er (1), 8. [Eng. punt (1), v.; -er.] One who punts or plays at ba et and ombre; hence, a gambler generally. "A crowd of awestruck amateurs and breathle punt ers." Thackeray: New comes, ch. xxviii.