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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

As a by-blow of the Foreign Ministers Conference in Brussels, the Big Three agreed that they would send a conditional yes to the Big Fourth's proposal for another talk on Germany.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Though the Senate has already voted three times to repeal it, Long's crusade for his by-blow brainchild has been pressed with a fanatic zeal that has eroded the almost illimitable patience of his colleagues.

From Time Magazine Archive

Maybe Locke should also remember that I am merely one of the by-blow children of Madoc’s human wife.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black