face-off

[feys-awf, -of] /ˈfeɪsˌɔf, -ˌɒf/
noun, Ice Hockey.
1.
the act of facing the puck, as at the start of a game or period.
2.
an open confrontation.
Origin
1895-1900; noun use of verb phrase face off
Examples from the web for face-off
  • The soroban's biggest moment was in its face-off against an electric calculator.
  • Consider some of the key characteristics of today's political face-off.
  • Inadvertent whistle will result in a face-off at the face-off spot closest to where the ball was in play.
British Dictionary definitions for face-off

face-off

noun
1.
(hockey:Ice) the method of starting a game, in which the referee drops the puck, etc between two opposing players
2.
a confrontation
verb (adverb)
3.
to start play by (a face-off)
Slang definitions & phrases for face-off

face-off

noun

Confrontation, esp one before action: continuing face-off and stalemate

[1896+; the date reflects use in hockey and lacrosse, where play begins with players scrabbling for the puck or ball]