transitive. To strike somewhat sharply and abruptly. (The Middle English sense is not quite clear.)

transitive. To strike, hit. In early use: to strike (esp. a person) forcefully. Now: to strike (a person or thing) in a sharp, usually relatively…

To give (a person) a sharp, sudden blow or knock; to rap, strike. Cf. fillip, v. 2.

transitive. To strike sharply, to rap.

gen. To strike smartly.

(transitive) to strike with such a blow.

transitive. To hit with a smart slap or a violent blow; also, to dash. Now esp., to crush (a fly, etc.) with a blow.

transitive. To strike sharply and smartly; to break in this way. Also absol.

transitive. To hit smartly. colloquial.

transitive. To strike or hit sharply.

transitive. To strike with a brisk rap or tap.