smite
(smīt)
v. smote (smōt), smit•ten (smĭt′n) or smote, smit•ing, smites
v.tr.
1.
a. To inflict a heavy blow on, with or as if with the hand, a tool, or a weapon.
b. To drive or strike (a weapon, for example) forcefully onto or into something else.
2. To attack, damage, or destroy by or as if by blows.
3.
a. To afflict: The population was smitten by the plague.
b. To afflict retributively; chasten or chastise.
4. To affect sharply with great feeling: He was smitten by deep remorse.
v.intr.
To deal a blow with or as if with the hand or a handheld weapon.
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[Middle English smiten, from Old English smītan, to smear.]
This word fits Howard’s atmospheric brand of action and is used extensively and to good effect and may be said to be a trademark of his.
A Well of Heroes
