foist

Meanings

Verb

• To introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant.
• To force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit.
• To pass off as genuine or worthy.

Noun

• A thief or pickpocket.
• A light and fast-sailing ship.
• A cask for wine.
• Fustiness; mustiness.

Related

Similar words

• fob off
• pass off
• pawn off
• palm off

Origin

• Probably from archaic Dutch vuisten ("to take into one’s hand"), from Middle Dutch vuysten, from vuyst; akin to Old English fyst.
• From Old French fuste ("stick, boat"), from Latin fustis ("cudgel").
• From Old French fust (whence also French fût), from Latin fustis.