Marquis of Queensberry rules

plural noun

Marquis of Queens·​ber·​ry rules

-ˈkwēnz|ˌber|ē- -b(ə)r|,

|i-

: a code of fair play presumed to apply in any fight

recognize no Marquis of Queensberry rules by which moral decorum should regulate and govern their differences

—Lucius Garvin

Word History

Etymology

from the Marquis of Queensbury rules, a code of rules governing boxing matches, after Sir John Sholto Douglas, 8th Marquis of Queensbury †1900 English boxing patron who supervised the code's formulation in 1867 by John G. Chambers †1883 English athlete

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