> The term 'boxer' is used to describe a horizontally-opposed engine having a
 > single crankshaft and camshaft in which the lobes of the camshaft are common
 > to the opposing valves.  
 > 
 > The origin of the term is unclear.
 
The explanation I've heard is that the pistons on a given side move in and out 
alternately, like the fists of a "boxer" pummeling his opponent.

  --berry

Berry Kercheval :: kerch@parc.xerox.com :: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center