Point`-blank" (?), n. [F. point point + blanc white.] 1. The white spot
on a target, at which an arrow or other missile is aimed. [Obs.]
Jonson.
2. (Mil.) (a) With all small arms, the second point in which the
natural line of sight, when horizontal, cuts the trajectory. (b) With
artillery, the point where the projectile first strikes the horizontal
plane on which the gun stands, the axis of the piece being horizontal.
Point`-blank", a. 1. Directed in a line toward the object aimed at;
aimed directly toward the mark.
2. Hence, direct; plain; unqualified; -- said of language; as, a
point-blank assertion.
Point-blank range, the extent of the apparent right line of a ball
discharged. -- Point-blank shot, the shot of a gun pointed directly
toward the object to be hit.
Point`-blank", adv. In a point- blank manner.
To sin point-blank against God's word.
Fuller.
Point` d'ap`pui" (?). [F.] (Mil.) See under Appui.
{ Point`-de*vice", Point`-de*vise" } (?), a. [OE. at point devis; at at
+ point point, condition + devis exact, careful, OF. devis fixed, set.
See Device.] Uncommonly nice and exact; precise; particular.
You are rather point-devise in your accouterments.
Shak.
Thus he grew up, in logic point-devise, Perfect in grammar, and in
rhetoric nice.
Longfellow.
{ Point`-de*vice", Point`-de*vise", } adv. Exactly. [Obs.] Shak.
Point"ed (?), a. 1. Sharp; having a sharp point; as, a pointed rock.
2. Characterized by sharpness, directness, or pithiness of expression;
terse; epigrammatic; especially, directed to a particular person or
thing.
His moral pleases, not his pointed wit.
Pope.
Pointed arch (Arch.), an arch with a pointed crown. -- Pointed style
(Arch.), a name given to that style of architecture in which the
pointed arch is the predominant feature; -- more commonly called
Gothic.
-- Point"ed*ly, adv. -- Point"ed*ness, n.
Point"el (?), n. [From Point. Cf. Pointal.] See Pointal.
Point"er (?), n. One who, or that which, points. Specifically: (a) The
hand of a timepiece. (b) (Zoˆl.) One of a breed of dogs trained to stop
at scent of game, and with the nose point it out to sportsmen. (c) pl.
(Astron.) The two stars (Merak and Dubhe) in the Great Bear, the line
between which points nearly in the direction of the north star. See
Illust. of Ursa Major. (b) pl. (Naut.) Diagonal braces sometimes fixed
across the hold.
Point"ing, n. 1. The act of sharpening.
2. The act of designating, as a position or direction, by means of
something pointed, as a finger or a rod.