A
violent gust of wind.
A forcible stream of air from an orifice, as
from a bellows, the mouth, etc. Hence: The continuous blowing to which one
charge of ore or metal is subjected in a furnace; as, to melt so many tons
of iron at a blast.
The exhaust steam from and engine, driving a
column of air out of a boiler chimney, and thus creating an intense draught
through the fire; also, any draught produced by the blast.
The sound made by blowing a wind instrument;
strictly, the sound produces at one breath.
A sudden, pernicious effect, as if by a noxious
wind, especially on animals and plants; a blight.
The act of rending, or attempting to rend, heavy
masses of rock, earth, etc., by the explosion of gunpowder, dynamite, etc.;
also, the charge used for this purpose.
A flatulent disease of sheep.
To injure, as by a noxious wind] to cause to
wither; to stop or check the growth of, and prevent from fruit-bearing, by
some pernicious influence; to blight; to shrivel.
Hence, to affect with some sudden violence,
plague, calamity, or blighting influence, which destroys or causes to fail;
to visit with a curse; to curse; to ruin; as, to blast pride, hopes,
or character.
To confound by a loud blast or din.
To rend open by any explosive agent, as
gunpowder, dynamite, etc.; to shatter; as, to blast rocks.
To be
blighted or withered; as, the bud blasted in the blossom.
To blow; to blow on a trumpet.
(9) Words.
str, OHG. bl
