from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stroke \Stroke\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Strokeed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Strokeing}.] [OE. stroken, straken, AS. str[=a]cian, fr.
str[imac]can to go over, pass. See {Strike}, v. t., and cf.
{Straggle}.]
1. To strike. [Obs.]
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Ye mote with the plat sword again
Stroken him in the wound, and it will close.
--Chaucer.
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2. To rib gently in one direction; especially, to pass the
hand gently over by way of expressing kindness or
tenderness; to caress; to soothe.
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He dried the falling drops, and, yet more kind,
He stroked her cheeks. --Dryden.
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3. To make smooth by rubbing. --Longfellow.
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4. (Masonry) To give a finely fluted surface to.
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5. To row the stroke oar of; as, to stroke a boat.
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