Search Result for "at a blow":

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. [1913 Webster] Well struck ! there was blow for blow. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault. [1913 Webster] A vigorous blow might win [Hanno's camp]. --T. Arnold. [1913 Webster] 3. The infliction of evil; a sudden calamity; something which produces mental, physical, or financial suffering or loss (esp. when sudden); a buffet. [1913 Webster] A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] Syn: Stroke; knock; shock; misfortune. [1913 Webster]