bout
Translation
bout, spell, fit, match
Examples
He had a bout of coughing.
He had a bout of coughing.
The main event is a ten-round bout.
The main event is a ten-round bout.
Grammar Patterns
a bout of ((sth.)) a short period of intense activity or illness He had a bad bout of the flu.
Similar Words
Synonyms: spell, fit, match, contest
Etymology
From Middle English 'bought' (a bend, a turn), related to 'bow'. The sense evolved from 'a turn at something' to 'a period of activity' or 'a contest'.
Memory Tips
Think of a boxing 'bout' where fighters go 'about' the ring. Or a 'bout' of flu that knocks you 'out'.