by-blow

[ bahy-bloh ]
/ ˈbaɪˌbloʊ /

noun

an incidental or accidental blow.
Also bye-blow. an illegitimate child; bastard.

Origin of by-blow

First recorded in 1585–95; by- + blow1

Example sentences from the Web for by-blow

  • Nature had meant him for a butcher, but, being a by-blow of a great house, a discerning patron had diverted him bishopward.

    The Yeoman Adventurer |George W. Gough
  • Tush, a by-blow for mirth, we must have better purchase, we want a fourth for another project that I have ripen'd.

British Dictionary definitions for by-blow

by-blow

noun

a passing or incidental blow
an archaic word for a bastard