backstroke
noun
- swimming style in which one swims on one's back
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈbækˌstɹoʊk/
noun
Etymology: From back + stroke.
- A backhanded stroke or blow.
“He observed that Cid Ruy-dias was an excellent knight; but not equal to the Lord of the Flaming-sword, who with one back-stroke [translating revés] had cut two fierce and monstrous giants through the middle.”
- A stroke swum lying on one's back, while rotating both arms through the water as to propel the swimmer backwards.
- The pull on the tail of the rope that swings the bell through a full circle (compare handstroke)
verb
Etymology: From back + stroke.
- To swim the backstroke.