Stroke (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Strokeed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Strokeing.] [OE. stroken, straken, AS. strācian, fr. strīcan to go over, pass. See Strike, v. t., and cf. Straggle.] 1. To strike.
Ye mote with the plat sword again
Stroken him in the wound, and it will close. Chaucer.
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.
He dried the falling drops, and, yet more kind,
He stroked her cheeks. Dryden.
3. To make smooth by rubbing. Longfellow.
4. (Masonry) To give a finely fluted surface to.
5. To row the stroke oar of; as, to stroke a boat.