blow \blow\, n. oe. blaw, blowe; cf. ohg. bliuwan, pliuwan, to
   beat, g. blaumuen, 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
see also:
at a blow to come to blows