a reddish fluid in vertebrates that is pumped by the heart through the arteries and veins, supplies tissues with nutrients, oxygen, etc, and removes waste products. It consists of a fluid (see blood plasma) containing cells (erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets)

a similar fluid in such invertebrates as annelids and arthropods

bloodshed, esp when resulting in murder

the guilt or responsibility for killing or injuring (esp in the phrase have blood on one's hands or head)

life itself; lifeblood

relationship through being of the same family, race, or kind; kinship

ethnic or national descent

a close friend

temperament; disposition; temper

people viewed as members of a group, esp as an invigorating force (in the phrases new blood, young blood)

a dashing young man; dandy; rake

the sensual or carnal nature of humankind

one of the four bodily humours

to cause (young hounds) to taste the blood of a freshly killed quarry and so become keen to hunt

to smear the cheeks or forehead of (a person) with the blood of the kill as an initiation in hunting

to initiate (a person) to an activity or organization, esp by real-life experience