box [OE] The box describing a type of container is probably via late Latin buxis, from Greek puxis, the name of the tree yielding hard timber for making boxes. This Greek word has also given pyx [LME], a term used in the Christian Church for a box storing the consecrated bread of the Eucharist. Boxing Day, originally the first working day after Christmas Day, was the one on which well-off households traditionally gave presents of money or other things to tradespeople and employees. Such a present was called a Christmas box, from the custom of collecting the money in an earthenware box which was broken after the collection had been made and the contents shared out. Pugilistic box [LME] was first used in the general sense ‘a blow’; the origin is not known. See also bog.