noun / verb
glance
A strike at an angle that causes a change of direction.
The ball glances off the post and changes direction.
Etymology
An early use described a weapon or projectile slipping aside after striking obliquely. The sense of deflection preserves that motion: contact occurs, but the object continues along a changed path.
More examples
- A glancing blow struck his helmet.
- The stone glanced across the hard surface.
- A slight glance against the wall sent the puck sideways.
Forms
glance · glances · glanced · glancing