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Synonyms

by-blow

American  
[bahy-bloh] / ˈbaɪˌbloʊ /

noun

  1. an incidental or accidental blow.

  2. Also bye-blow an illegitimate child; bastard.


by-blow British  

noun

  1. a passing or incidental blow

  2. an archaic word for a bastard

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of by-blow

First recorded in 1585–95; by- + blow 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Our idea of religion is a by-blow of the Reformation, a Protestant concept foregrounding a personal state of mind and creedal beliefs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

The simplest inquiry could have informed the doctors that Fact is the by-blow of Publisher Ralph Ginzburg, 35, whose first venture, Eros, was put out of business by the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

Chief humiliator is Uncle Arthur Blake, Squire of Breetholm Manor, who takes his elder brother's by-blow into service, spends a futile year trying to break his spirit.

From Time Magazine Archive

One try, Victoire, Daughter of Madelon, was a by-blow which died aborning.

From Time Magazine Archive

After Officer Delinko gave him a lift home, Curly had entertained his wife and mother-in-law with a blow- by-blow account of the exciting events.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen