from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Blow \Blow\, n. [OE. blaw, blowe; cf. OHG. bliuwan, pliuwan, to
beat, G. bl[aum]uen, Goth. bliggwan.]
1. A forcible stroke with the hand, fist, or some instrument,
as a rod, a club, an ax, or a sword.
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Well struck ! there was blow for blow. --Shak.
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2. A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault.
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A vigorous blow might win [Hanno's camp]. --T.
Arnold.
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3. The infliction of evil; a sudden calamity; something which
produces mental, physical, or financial suffering or loss
(esp. when sudden); a buffet.
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A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows.
--Shak.
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{At a blow}, suddenly; at one effort; by a single vigorous
act. "They lose a province at a blow." --Dryden.
{To come to blows}, to engage in combat; to fight; -- said of
individuals, armies, and nations.
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Syn: Stroke; knock; shock; misfortune.
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