The term 'PRACTICE WITH A PUGILIST' can be summarized by the crossword solution SPAR, which is a four-letter word. Sparring is a form of practice in boxing and other combat sports, where two participants engage in simulated combat without causing serious injury to each other. A pugilist is another word for a boxer, so the term 'PRACTICE WITH A PUGILIST' refers to the practice of sparring with a boxer.