Obs. Also 7–8 stroak. [f. STROKE v.1] A stroking movement of the hand, esp. for purposes of healing.
1631. B. Jonson, New Inn, IV. ii. Tip. Hee’ll borrow money on the stroke of his beard! Or turne off his Mustaccio.
1665. Wonders if not Miracles V. Gertrux, title-p., Who Cureth all manner of Diseases with a stroak of his hand and Prayer.
1666. H. Stubbe, Mirac. Conformist, 6. Having … stopped the paine and effusion of blood by some strokes of his hand, he bad her put nothing to it but a linnen Cloth.
1697. Dryden, Æneis, X. 1229. Soothing his Courage with a gentle Stroke, The Steed seem’d sensible, while thus he spoke.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Stroaking, But as to the particular Efficacy of the Stroak of particular Persons; we see little Foundation for it in Nature.
