Английский Этимологический словарь - punch (v.)

- "hit, puncture," 14c., from O.Fr. ponchonner "to punch, prick, stamp," from ponchon "pointed tool, piercing weapon," from V.L. *punctionem "pointed tool," from pp. stem of pungere "to prick." Specific meaning of "to hit with the fist" first recorded 1530, probably influenced by punish. Meaning "power, force, impact" is first recorded 1911. To punch a ticket, etc., is 14c., probably from a shortening of puncheon "pointed tool," from O.Fr. ponchon. The verb "to drive (cattle, etc.) by poking and prodding" is late M.E. Punch line is from 1921; punch-drunk is from 1915.