Point-blank Definition

Origin of Point-blank

• This common shooting term derives old English longbow practices: A common target was the white skull of a bull, and the greatest skill could be illustrated by getting a "bulls eye". When the archer is far from the target, the arrow must be pointed high, due to the arched trajectory of an arrow. When the archer is very close to the target, then he may point directly, without aiming above the white bull's skull, hence "pointing at the white", or "Point Blanc" as it was stated in those times. Some say that the term comes from French, where point means the aim, blanc means white. The term is now an established military term, "Point Blank" range, or the distance at which a firearm can be directly aimed at the target without consideration of the arched trajectory. Modern firearms often have a "Point Blank" range of a few hundred yards.

  From Wiktionary

• Perhaps from French point (de tir) (firing) point or point (visé) (aiming) point (from Old French point) French blanc bull's-eye, target (from Old French white blank)

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

• French point blanc, white point, originally referring to the white spot to be aimed at on a target.

  From Wiktionary