[f. BACK adv.] a. A blow or stroke in return, a recoil; b. a back-handed stroke.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 96. The backstroke will be sure to give him a knocker.
1753. Miss Collier, Art Torment., 167. Then may you lie snug, and … play her a most noble backstroke.
1876. Emerson, Ess., Ser. I. iii. 90. This backstroke, this kick of the gun.
