adj., n., & v.
--adj.
1. a (of paper) not written or printed on. b (of a document) with spaces left for a signature or details.
2 a not filled; empty (a blank space). b unrelieved; sheer (a blank wall).
3 a having or showing no interest or expression (a blank face). b void of incident or result. c puzzled, nonplussed. d having (temporarily) no knowledge or understanding (my mind went blank).
4 (with neg. import) complete, downright (a blank refusal; blank despair).
5 euphem. used in place of an adjective regarded as coarse or abusive.
--n.
1. a a space left to be filled in a document. b a document having blank spaces to be filled.
2 (in full blank cartridge) a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet, used for training, etc.
3 an empty space or period of time.
4 a a coin-disc before stamping. b a metal or wooden block before final shaping.
5 a a dash written instead of a word or letter, esp. instead of an obscenity. b euphem. used in place of a noun regarded as coarse.
6 a domino with one or both halves blank.
7 a lottery ticket that gains no prize.
8 the white centre of the target in archery etc.
--v.tr.
1. (usu. foll. by off, out) screen, obscure (clouds blanked out the sun).
2 (usu. foll. by out) cut (a metal blank).
3 US defeat without allowing to score.
Phrases and idioms:
blank cheque
1. a cheque with the amount left for the payee to fill in.
2 colloq. unlimited freedom of action (cf. CARTE BLANCHE). blank test Chem. a scientific test done without a specimen, to verify the absence of the effects of reagents etc. blank verse unrhymed verse, esp. iambic pentameters. draw a blank elicit no response; fail.
Derivatives:
blankly adv. blankness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF blanc white, ult. f. Gmc