Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Blow \Blow\, n. [OE. blaw, blowe; cf. OHG. bliuwan, pliuwan, to
   beat, G. bl["a]uen, 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 [Hanno's camp]. --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.