Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A blow in an opposite direction; a stroke that stops motion or causes a recoil.
  • To strike back; meet by a blow in an opposite direction; drive back; stop by a blow or a sudden check in front.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • transitive verb To strike or drive back or in an opposite direction; to stop by a blow or impulse in front.
  • noun A blow in an opposite direction; a stroke that stops motion or cause a recoil.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A buff (strike) in return; a counterblow.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

counter- +‎ buff

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Examples

  • But if the cuff was fairly given, I will be judged by the good men around, if it was not as well repaid — or, if thou thinkest I still owe thee aught, and will stand forth for another counterbuff — “By no means,” replied Friar Tuck, “I had mine own returned, and with usury — may your Majesty ever pay your debts as fully!”

    Ivanhoe 2004

  • But if the cuff was fairly given, I will be judged by the good men around, if it was not as well repaid --- or, if thou thinkest I still owe thee aught, and will stand forth for another counterbuff --- ''

    Ivanhoe 1892

  • Whom Cuddye doth counterbuff with a byting and bitter prouerbe, spoken indeede

    Shepheardes Calendar 1579

  • But if the cuff was fairly given, I will be judged by the good men around, if it was not as well repaid -- - or, if thou thinkest I still owe thee aught, and will stand forth for another counterbuff -- - "

    Ivanhoe. A Romance 1819

  • But if the cuff was fairly given, I will be judged by the good men around, if it was not as well repaid -- or, if thou thinkest I still owe thee aught, and will stand forth for another counterbuff -- "

    Ivanhoe Walter Scott 1801

Comments

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  • A counterbuff may sometimes result in a shiner.

    January 2, 2013

  • When Ernest has had quite enough

    Of smiling at rustics' crude guff

    He'll flummox a bumpkin

    With Latin for "pumpkin"

    And stun with this stern counterbuff.

    Find out more about Ernest Bafflewit

    June 21, 2015