Dint /(?)/

1. A blow; a stroke. [Obs.]
2. The mark left by a blow; an indentation or impression made by violence; a dent.

   Every dint a sword had beaten in it [the shield].

3. Force; power; -- esp. in the phrase by dint of.

   Now you weep; and, I perceive, you feel The dint of pity.

   It was by dint of passing strength That he moved the massy stone at length.

imp. & p. p. Dinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Dinting

1. To make a mark or cavity on or in, by a blow or by pressure; to dent.