afterstroke

English

Alternative forms

• after-stroke

Etymology

From Middle English after-stroke, equivalent to after- +‎ stroke.

Noun

afterstroke (plural afterstrokes)

1. (literally) A stroke which follows another
2. A counterblow; a return stroke
   • 2003, J. Robert King, Lancelot Du Lethe, page 82:

     In an after-stroke, Lancelot brought his blade skidding down shallowly across Mordred's armor to nick his neck, the only exposed flesh on his body.

3. (figuratively, by extension) A payback
4. (music) A type of grace note that appears after the subject note rather than before

Antonyms

• (antonym(s) of “type of grace note”): appoggiatura

See also

• forestroke