bare-knuckle
Definitions
adj
Without boxing gloves.
The bare-knuckle boxing era ended in the early 20th century, when gloves were introduced, stricter rules implemented and oversight organizations formed.
In bare-knuckle fights, one of the most frequent injuries is a broken hand.
Characterized by ruthlessly attacking or overpowering an opponent, especially when using underhanded techniques.
a bareknuckle exchange on the Senate floor
In one sense such bare-knuckle tactics reflect the fact that IP grants are (and are intended to be) monopolies.
verb
To box without boxing gloves.
...at 36 he is still able to bare-knuckle the swagger out of the biggest lumberjack in the Northwest.
I hate bare-knuckling on anything but grass.
To attack or overpower ruthlessly.
“I'm not surprised,” she said, “but your will is strong and your sense of humor is great. They ought to bare-knuckle almost any problem you do have.
Tess shivered, but she knew it wasn't at the prospect of winter just around the corner or that wind bare-knuckling its way under her jacket, but from remembering the icy cold blue of Quinn's eyes.