Definitions for fair catch Random House Webster's College
Dictionary a catch of a kicked football made after the receiving
team signals that it will not attempt to advance the ball.
Origin of fair catch: (American football) a catch of a punt on
the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not
run and so should not be tackled A call on a kicking play in
which the receiver waves his hand to indicate that he will not
run with the ball, assuring that he will not be tackled after
catching it.