Blow, n. [OE. blaw, blowe; cf. OHG. bliuwan, pliuwan, to beat, G. bläuen, Goth. bliggwan.] 1. A forcible stroke with the hand, fist, or some instrument, as a rod, a club, an ax, or a sword.
Well struck! there was blow for blow.
Shak.
2. A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault.
A vigorous blow might win.
T. Arnold.
3. The infliction of evil; a sudden calamity; something which produces mental, physical, or financial suffering or loss (esp. when sudden); a buffet.
A most poor man, made tame to fortune's blows.
Shak.
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.
Syn. — Stroke; knock; shock; misfortune.