From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Point-blank \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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Point-blank \Point`-blank"\, a.
1. Directed in a line toward the object aimed at; aimed
directly toward the mark.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, direct; plain; unqualified; -- said of language;
as, a point-blank assertion.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Point-blank \Point`-blank"\, adv.
In a point-blank manner.
[1913 Webster]
To sin point-blank against God's word. --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
point-blank
adv 1: in a direct and unequivocal manner; "I asked him point-
blank whether he wanted the job"
adj 1: characterized by directness in manner or speech; without
subtlety or evasion; "blunt talking and straight
shooting"; "a blunt New England farmer"; "I gave them my
candid opinion"; "forthright criticism"; "a forthright
approach to the problem"; "tell me what you think--and
you may just as well be frank"; "it is possible to be
outspoken without being rude"; "plainspoken and to the
point"; "a point-blank accusation" [syn: {blunt},
{candid}, {forthright}, {frank}, {free-spoken},
{outspoken}, {plainspoken}, {point-blank}, {straight-
from-the-shoulder}]
2: close enough to go straight to the target; "point-blank
range"; "a point-blank shot"
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