absol. Tennis, etc. To hit or return the ball before it bounces; to make a volley-stroke.

In various games. Tennis. transitive and intransitive. To strike the ball sharply with the racket held at an angle, or with a downward motion, so…

In various phrases. to kill a ball: (a) in tennis, to strike a ball so as to prevent it from being returned (see quot. 1883); (b) in football, to…

Sport. intransitive (originally and chiefly Golf). To try to hit a ball too hard or fast, typically resulting in tense, inaccurate play.

Golf. To strike (a ball) below the centre, causing it to rise high in the air. Also in Tennis, to impart backspin to (the ball) by slicing down on…

A drop-shot in lawn tennis. Also attributive. So as v. intransitive (see quot. 1942).

intransitive. To hit a high lob; to engage in play predominantly characterized by such shots. Also transitive: to subject (an opponent) to high lobs.

transitive. To treat in an accommodating, meek, or unassertive manner, esp. by asking unchallenging questions. Cf. hardball, v. 2, softball question…