The Collaborative International Dictionary
Stroke \Stroke\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Strokeed; p. pr. & vb. n. Strokeing.] [OE. stroken, straken, AS. str[=a]cian, fr. str[=i]can to go over, pass. See Strike, v. t., and cf. Straggle.]
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To strike. [Obs.]
Ye mote with the plat sword again Stroken him in the wound, and it will close.
--Chaucer. -
To rib gently in one direction; especially, to pass the hand gently over by way of expressing kindness or tenderness; to caress; to soothe.
He dried the falling drops, and, yet more kind, He stroked her cheeks.
--Dryden. To make smooth by rubbing.
--Longfellow.(Masonry) To give a finely fluted surface to.
To row the stroke oar of; as, to stroke a boat.