9. One of a series of beats or movements against a resisting medium, by
means of which movement through or upon it is accomplished; as, the
stroke of a bird's wing in flying, or an oar in rowing, of a skater,
swimmer, etc.; also: (Rowing) (a) The rate of succession of stroke; as,
a quick stroke. (b) The oar nearest the stern of a boat, by which the
other oars are guided; - - called also stroke oar. (c) The rower who
pulls the stroke oar; the strokesman.
10. A powerful or sudden effort by which something is done, produced,
or accomplished; also, something done or accomplished by such an
effort; as, a stroke of genius; a stroke of business; a master stroke
of policy.
11. (Mach.) The movement, in either direction, of the piston plunger,
piston rod, crosshead, etc., as of a steam engine or a pump, in which
these parts have a reciprocating motion; as, the forward stroke of a
piston; also, the entire distance passed through, as by a piston, in
such a movement; as, the piston is at half stroke.
The respective strokes are distinguished as up and down strokes,
outward and inward strokes, forward and back strokes, the forward
stroke in stationary steam engines being toward the crosshead, but in
locomotives toward the front of the vehicle.
12. Power; influence. [Obs.] "Where money beareth [hath] all the
stroke." Robynson (More's Utopia).
He has a great stroke with the reader.
Dryden.