ETYM French ponter, or Italian puntare, from Latin punctum point. Related to Point.
1. To kick the ball; in certain kinds of sports.
2. To propel with a pole; of barges on rivers, for example; SYN. pole.
3. To play at a gambling game against the banker.

ETYM as., from Latin ponto punt, pontoon. Related to Pontoon.
1. An open flat-bottomed boat used in shallow waters and propelled by a long pole.
2. Kicking in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground; SYN. punting.
3. The monetary pound of Ireland.
4. The act or an instance of punting a ball.

A part of Africa not certainly identified but probably Somaliland — an ancient Egyptian name