, soil, taint,
daub, disfigurement, imperfection, speck, tarnish.

Whatever mars the beauty or completeness of an object is a _blemish_,
whether original, as squinting eyes, or the result of accident or
disease, etc., as the pits of smallpox. A _blemish_ is superficial; a
_flaw_ or _taint_ is in structure or substance. In the moral sense, we
speak of a _blot_ or _stain_ upon reputation; a _flaw_ or _taint_ in
character. A _defect_ is the want or lack of something; _fault_,
primarily a failing, is something that fails of an apparent intent or
disappoints a natural expectation; thus a sudden dislocation or
displacement of geological strata is called a _fault_. Figuratively, a
_blemish_ comes from one's own ill-doing; a _brand_ or _stigma_ is
inflicted by others; as, the _brand_ of infamy.

* * * * *

BLOW.

Synonyms:

box, concussion, disaster, misfortune, stripe,
buffet, cuff, knock, rap, stroke,
calamity, cut, lash, shock, thump.

A _blow_ is a sudden impact, as of a fist or a club; a _stroke_ is a
sweeping movement; as, the _stroke_ of a sword, of an oar, of the arm in
swimming. A _shock_ is the sudden encounter with some heavy body; as,
colliding railway-trains meet with a _shock_; the _shock_ of battle. A
_slap_ is given with the open hand, a _lash_ with a whip, thong, or the
like; we speak also of the _cut_ of a whip. A _buffet_ or _cuff_ is
given only with the hand; a _blow_ either with hand or weapon. A _cuff_
is a somewhat sidelong _blow_, generally with the open hand; as, a
_cuff_ or _box_ on the ear. A _stripe_ is the effect or mark of a
_stroke_. In the metaphorical sense, _blow_ is used for sudden,
stunning, staggering _calamity_ or sorrow; _stroke_ for sweeping
_disaster_, and also for sweeping achievement and success. We say a
_stroke_ of paralysis, or a _stroke_ of genius. We speak of the
_buffets_ of adverse fortune. _Shock_ is used of that which is at once
sudden, violent, and prostrating; we speak of a _shock_ of electricity,
the _shock_ of an amputation, a _shock_ of surprise. Compare BEAT.

* * * * *

BLUFF.

Synonyms:

abrupt, brusk, impolite, rough,
blunt, coarse, inconsiderate, rude,
blustering, discourteous, open, uncivil,
bold, frank, plain-spoken, unmannerly.

_Bluff_ is a w