BLOW (4)

Blow, n. [[OE. blaw, blowe; cf. OHG. bliuwan, pliuwan, to beat, G. bläuen, Goth. bliggwan.]] 1. 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. 2. A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault.
A vigorous blow might win . T. Arnold. 3. 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.