[See KICK v.1 7 b.] The first kick to the ball in a football match.
1857. Hughes, Tom Brown, I. v. Hasn’t old Brook won the toss … and got choice of goals and kick-off?
1895. J. E. C. Welldon, G. Eversley’s Friendsh., 161. The match was hotly contested from the ‘kick-off’ to the finish.
fig. 1875. Punch, 27 Feb., 88/2. Sir H. James asked the Attorney-General three questions, by way of kick-off.
