adj. & adv.
--adj.
1. a (of a shot) aimed or fired horizontally at a range very close to the target. b (of a distance or range) very close.
2 (of a remark, question, etc.) blunt, direct.
--adv.
1. at very close range.
2 directly, bluntly.
Etymology: prob. f. POINT + BLANK white spot in the centre of a target