Part 17

FLABELLATE, fl[:a]-bel'[=a]t, _adj._ fan-shaped--also FLABELL'IFORM.--_ns._ FLABELL[=A]'TION, the action of fanning; FLAB'ELLUM (_eccles._), a fan, anciently used to drive away flies from the chalice during the celebration of the eucharist. [L., a fan.]

FLACCID, flak'sid, _adj._ flabby: lax: easily yielding to pressure: soft and weak.--_adv._ FLAC'CIDLY.--_ns._ FLAC'CIDNESS, FLACCID'ITY, want of firmness. [Fr.,--L. _flaccidus_--_flaccus_, flabby.]

FLACK, flak, _v.i._ (_prov._), to flap, flutter.--_v.t._ to flap or flick with something.

FLACKER, flak'[.e]r, _v.i._ (_prov._) to flap, flutter.

FLACKET, flak'et, _n._ a flask, bottle.

FLACON, flak-ong', _n._ a scent-bottle, &c. [Fr.]

FLAFF, flaf, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to flap: to pant.--_n._ a flutter of the wings: a puff.--_v.i._ FLAF'FER, to flutter. [Imit.]

FLAG, flag, _v.i._ to grow languid or spiritless.--_pr.p._ flag'ging; _pa.p._ flagged.--_n._ FLAG'GINESS.--_adj._ FLAG'GY, limp, flabby. [Perh. O. Fr. _flac_--L. _flaccus_; prob. influenced by imit. forms as _flap_.]

FLAG, flag, _n._ a popular name for many plants with sword-shaped leaves, mostly growing in moist situations, sometimes specially the species of iris or flower-de-luce--esp. the yellow flag: the acorus or sweet flag: (_B._) reed-grass.--_ns._ FLAG'-BAS'KET, a basket made of reeds for carrying tools; FLAG'GINESS.--_adj._ FLAG'GY, abounding in flags.--_n._ FLAG'-WORM, a worm or grub bred among flags or reeds. [Ety. obscure; cf. Dut. _flag_.]

FLAG, flag, _n._ the ensign of a ship or of troops: a banner.--_v.t._ to decorate with flags: to inform by flag-signals.--_ns._ FLAG'-CAP'TAIN, in the navy, the captain of the ship which bears the admiral's flag; FLAG'-LIEUTEN'ANT, an officer in a flag-ship, corresponding to an aide-de-camp in the army; FLAG'-OFF'ICER, a naval officer privileged to carry a flag denoting his rank--admiral, vice-admiral, rear-admiral, or commodore; FLAG'-SHIP, the ship in which an admiral sails, and which carries his flag; FLAG'STAFF, a staff or pole on which a flag is displayed.--FLAG OF DISTRESS, a flag displayed as a signal of distress--usually upside down or at half-mast; FLAG OF TRUCE, a white flag displayed during war when some pacific communication is intended between the hostile parties; BLACK FLAG, a pirate's flag, pirates generally; DIP THE FLAG, to lower the flag and then hoist it--a token of respect; HANG OUT THE RED FLAG, to give a challenge to battle; STRIKE, or LOWER, THE FLAG, to pull it down as a token of respect, submission, or surrender; WHITE FLAG, an emblem of peace; YELLOW FLAG, hoisted to show pestilence on board, also over ships, &c., in quarantine, and hospitals, &c., in time of war. [Prob. Scand.; Dan. _flag_; Dut. _vlag_, Ger. _flagge_.]

FLAG, flag, _n._ a stone that separates in flakes or layers: a flat stone used for paving--also FLAG'STONE.--_v.t._ to pave with flagstones.--_n._ FLAG'GING, flagstones: a pavement of flagstones. [A form of _flake_; Ice. _flaga_, a flag or slab.]

FLAGELLATE, flaj'el-[=a]t, _v.t._ to whip or scourge.--_ns._ FLAGEL'LANTISM; FLAGELL[=A]'TION; FLAG'ELL[=A]TOR, FLAGEL'LANT (also flaj'-), one who scourges himself in religious discipline.--_adjs._ FLAG'ELLATORY; FLAGELLIF'EROUS; FLAGEL'LIFORM.--_n._ FLAGEL'LUM, a scourge: (_bot._) a runner: (_biol._) a large cilium or appendage to certain infusorians, &c. [L. _flagell[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_flagellum_, dim. of _flagrum_, a whip.]

FLAGEOLET, flaj'o-let, _n._ the modern form of the old flute-[`a]-bec, or straight flute, the simplest kind of which is the tin whistle with six holes. [Fr., dim. of O. Fr. _flageol_, _flajol_, a pipe; not through a supposed Low L. _flaut[=i]olus_--from _flauta_, a flute.]

FLAGITATE, flaj'i-t[=a]t, _v.t._ (_Carlyle_) to entreat, importune.--_n._ FLAGIT[=A]'TION.

FLAGITIOUS, fla-jish'us, _adj._ grossly wicked: guilty of enormous crimes.--_adv._ FLAGI'TIOUSLY.--_n._ FLAGI'TIOUSNESS. [L. _flagitiosus_--_flagitium_, a disgraceful act--_flagr[=a]re_, to burn.]

FLAGON, flag'un, _n._ a vessel with a narrow neck for holding liquids. [Fr. _flacon_ for _flascon_--Low L. _flasco_. See FLASK.]

FLAGRANT, fl[=a]'grant, _adj._ glaring: notorious: enormous.--_ns._ FL[=A]'GRANCE, FL[=A]'GRANCY.--_adv._ FL[=A]'GRANTLY. [L. _flagrans_, _pr.p._ of _flagr[=a]re_, to burn.]

FLAIL, fl[=a]l, _n._ an implement for threshing corn, consisting of a wooden bar (the _swingle_) hinged or tied to a handle: a medieval weapon with spiked iron swingle.--_v.t._ to strike with, or as if with, a flail. [A.S. _fligel_, prob. from L. _flagellum_, a scourge.]

FLAIR, fl[=a]r, _n._ perceptiveness, discernment. [Fr.]

FLAKE, fl[=a]k, _n._ a small flat layer or film of anything: a very small loose mass, as of snow or wool.--_v.t._ to form into flakes.--_ns._ FLAKE'-WHITE, the purest white-lead for painting, in the form of scales or plates; FLAK'INESS.--_adj._ FLAK'Y. [Prob. Scand.; Ice. _fl['o]ke_, flock of wool; Old High Ger. _floccho_.]

FLAKE, fl[=a]k, _n._ (_Scot._) a movable hurdle for fencing; (_naut._) a stage hung over a ship's side for caulking, &c. [Scand.; cf. Ice. _flake_; Dut. _vlaak_.]

FLAM, flam, _n._ a whim: an idle fancy: a falsehood.--_v.t._ to impose upon with such. [Prob. from _flim-flam_ or _flamfew_, a trifle, a corr. of Fr. _fanfelue_.]

FLAMBEAU, flam'b[=o], _n._ a flaming torch:--_pl._ FLAM'BEAUX ('b[=o]z). [Fr., _flambe_--L. _flamma_.]

FLAMBOYANT, flam-boi'ant, _adj._ of the latest style of Gothic architecture which prevailed in France in the 15th and 16th centuries, corresponding to the Perpendicular in England--from the flame-like forms of the tracery of the windows, &c.: of wavy form: gorgeously coloured. [Fr. _flamboyer_, to blaze.]

FLAME, fl[=a]m, _n._ gaseous matter undergoing combustion: the gleam or blaze of a fire: rage: ardour of temper: vigour of thought: warmth of affection: love: (_coll._) the object of love.--_v.i._ to burn as flame: to break out in passion.--_adjs._ FL[=A]ME'-COL'OURED (_Shak._), of the colour of flame, bright yellow; FL[=A]ME'LESS.--_n._ FL[=A]ME'LET, a small flame.--_adj._ FL[=A]M'ING, red: gaudy: violent.--_adv._ FL[=A]M'INGLY.--_n._ FLAMMABIL'ITY.--_adjs._ FLAMMIF'EROUS, producing flame; FLAMMIV'OMOUS, vomiting flames.--_n._ FLAM'MULE, the flames in pictures of Japanese deities.--_adj._ FL[=A]M'Y, pertaining to, or like, flame. [O. Fr. _flambe_--L. _flamma_--_flagr[=a]re_, to burn.]

FLAMEN, fl[=a]'men, _n._ a priest in ancient Rome devoted to one particular god.--_adj._ FLAMIN'ICAL. [L., from same root as _fla-gr[=a]re_, to burn.]

FLAMINGO, fla-ming'g[=o], _n._ a tropical bird of a flaming or bright-red colour, with long legs and neck. [Sp. _flamenco_--L. _flamma_, a flame.]

FLANCH, flansh, _n._ a flange: (_her._) an ordinary formed on each side of a shield by the segment of a circle.--_adj._ FLANCHED, charged with a pair of flanches. [Prob. related to _flank_.]

FLANCONADE, flang-ko-n[=a]d', _n._ (_fencing_) a thrust in the flank or side. [Fr., from _flanc_, the side.]

FL[^A]NEUR, fl[:a]-n[:u]r', _n._ one who saunters about with gossip.--_n._ FL[^A]N'ERIE. [Fr. _fl[^a]ner_, to lounge.]

FLANGE, flanj, _n._ a projecting or raised edge or flank, as of a wheel or of a rail.--_adj._ FLANGED.--_n._ FLANGE'-RAIL, a rail having a flange on one side to prevent wheels running off. [Corr. of _flank_.]

FLANK, flangk, _n._ the side of an animal from the ribs to the thigh: the side or wing of anything, esp. of an army or fleet: a body of soldiers on the right and left extremities.--_v.t._ to attack or pass round the side of: to protect the flanks of one's own army by detached bodies of troops, or field-works, or to threaten those of the enemy by directing troops against them.--_v.i._ to be posted on the side: to touch.--_n._ FLANK'ER, a fortification which commands the flank of an assailing force.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to defend by flankers: to attack sideways.--FLANK COMPANY, the company on the right or left when a battalion is in line; FLANK FILES, the soldiers marching on the extreme right and left of a company, &c. [Fr. _flanc_, perh. L. _flaccus_, flabby.]

FLANNEL, flan'el, _n._ a soft woollen cloth of loose texture for undergarments, &c.: the garment itself: (_pl._) the garb of cricketers, &c.--_v.t._ to wrap in or rub with flannel.--_n._ FLANNELETTE', a cotton fabric, made in imitation of flannel.--_adjs._ FLANN'ELLED; FLANN'ELLY. [Orig. _flannen_, acc. to Skeat, from W. _gwlanen_--_gwlan_, wool; acc. to Diez, the equivalent Fr. _flanelle_ is from the O. Fr. _flaine_, a pillow-case.]

FLAP, flap, _n._ the blow or motion of a broad loose object: anything broad and flexible hanging loose, as the tail of a coat: a portion of skin or flesh detached from the underlying part for covering and growing over the end of an amputated limb.--_v.t._ to beat or move with a flap.--_v.i._ to move, as wings: to hang like a flap:--_pr.p._ flap'ping; _pa.p._ flapped.--_ns._ FLAP'DOODLE, the food of fools: transparent nonsense, gross flattery, &c.; FLAP'-DRAG'ON, a play in which small edibles, as raisins, are snatched from burning brandy, and swallowed.--_v.t._ (_Shak._) to swallow or devour, as in flap-dragon.--_adj._ FLAP'-EARED (_Shak._), having ears hanging like a flap.--_n._ FLAP'-JACK (_Shak._), a kind of broad, flat pancake.--_adj._ FLAP'-MOUTHED.--_n._ FLAP'PER. [Prob. imit.]

FLARE, fl[=a]r, _v.i._ to burn with a glaring, unsteady light: to glitter or flash: to display glaringly.--_n._ an unsteady light.--_p.adj._ FL[=A]'RING, giving out an unsteady light: gaudy.--_adv._ FL[=A]'RINGLY.--_adj._ FL[=A]'RY. [Prob. Scand.; cf. Norw. _flara_, to blaze.]

FLASH, flash, _n._ a momentary gleam of light: a sudden burst, as of merriment: a short transient state.--_v.i._ to break forth, as a sudden light: to break out into intellectual brilliancy: to burst out into violence.--_v.t._ to cause to flash: to expand, as blown glass, into a disc: to send by some startling or sudden means.--_n._ FLASH'-HOUSE, a brothel.--_adv._ FLASH'ILY.--_ns._ FLASH'INESS; FLASH'ING, the act of blazing: a sudden burst, as of water; FLASH'-POINT, the temperature at which an inflammable liquid takes fire--in the case of petroleum, &c., ascertained by placing oil in a vessel called a tester (used open and closed), and heating it up to a point at which sufficient vapour is generated as to give off a small flash when a light is applied to it.--_adj._ FLASH'Y, dazzling for a moment: showy but empty: (_Milt._) vapid: gay--also FLASH, vulgarly showy, gay but tawdry: pertaining to thieves, vagabonds, &c., as the '_flash_ language'=thieves' cant or slang: '_flash_ notes'=counterfeit notes.--FLASH IN THE PAN (see PAN). [Prob. imit.; cf. Sw. prov. _flasa_, to blaze.]

FLASK, flask, _n._ a narrow-necked vessel for holding liquids: a bottle: a pocket-bottle: a horn or metal vessel for carrying powder.--_n._ FLASK'ET, a vessel in which viands are served: (_Spens._) a basket.--FLORENCE FLASK, a narrow-necked globular glass bottle of thin glass, as those in which olive-oil is brought from Italy. [A.S. _flasce_; Ger. _flasche_; prob. not Teut. acc. to Diez, but from Low L. _flasco_--L. _vasculum_, a flask.]

FLAT, flat, _adj._ smooth: level: wanting points of prominence and interest: monotonous: vapid, insipid: dejected: unqualified, positive: (_mus._) opposite of sharp.--_n._ a level plain: a tract covered by shallow water: something broad: a story or floor of a house, esp. when fitted up as a separate residence for a family: a simpleton, a gull: (_mus._) a character (b) which lowers a note a semitone.--_ns._ FLAT'BOAT, a large flat-bottomed boat for floating goods down the Mississippi, &c.; FLAT'-FISH, a name applied to marine bony fishes that have a flat body, such as the flounder, turbot, &c.--_adj._ FLAT'-FOOT'ED, having flat feet: resolute.--_adj._ and _n._ FLAT'-HEAD, having an artificially flattened head, as some American Indians of the Chinooks--the name is officially but incorrectly applied to the Selish Indians in particular.--_n._ FLAT'-[=I]'RON, an iron for smoothing cloth.--_advs._ FLAT'LING, FLAT'LONG (_Spens._, _Shak._), with the flat side down: not edgewise; FLAT'LY.--_ns._ FLAT'NESS; FLAT'-RACE, a race over open or clear ground.--_v.t._ FLAT'TEN, to make flat.--_v.i._ to become flat.--_n._ FLAT'TING, a mode of house-painting in which the paint is left without gloss.--_adj._ FLAT'TISH, somewhat flat.--_adj._ or _adv._ FLAT'WISE, flatways, or with the flat side downward.--_n._ FLAT'-WORM, a tapeworm. [From a Teut. root found in Ice. _flatr_, flat, Sw. _flat_, Dan. _flad_, Old High Ger. _flaz_.]

FLATTER, flat'[.e]r, _v.t._ to soothe with praise and servile attentions: to please with false hopes or undue praise.--_n._ FLATT'ERER.--_adj._ FLATT'ERING, uttering false praise: pleasing to pride or vanity.--_adv._ FLATT'ERINGLY.--_n._ FLATT'ERY, false praise. [O. Fr. _flater_ (Fr. _flatter_); Teut.; cf. Ice. _fladhra_.]

FLATULENT, flat'[=u]-lent, _adj._ affected with air in the stomach: apt to generate such: empty: vain.--_ns._ FLAT'ULENCE, FLAT'ULENCY, distension of the stomach or bowels by gases formed during digestion: windiness, emptiness.--_adv._ FLAT'ULENTLY.--_n._ FL[=A]'TUS, a puff of wind: air generated in the stomach or intestines. [Fr.,--Low L. _flatulentus_--L. _fl[=a]re_, _flatum_, to blow.]

FLAUGHT, flaht, _n._ (_Scot._) a flight, a flapping.--_n._ FLAUGH'TER, a fluttering motion.--_v.i._ to flutter, flicker. [See FLIGHT.]

FLAUNT, flawnt, _v.i._ to fly or wave in the wind: to move or display ostentatiously: to carry a gaudy or saucy appearance.--_n._ (_Shak._) anything displayed for show.--_n._ FLAUNT'ER.--_adj._ FLAUNT'ING.--_adv._ FLAUNT'INGLY, in a flaunting or showy manner.--_adj._ FLAUNT'Y, showy. [Prob. imit.; Skeat suggests Sw. prov. _flanka_, to waver.]

FLAUTIST. Same as FLUTIST.

FLAVESCENT, fla-ves'ent, _adj._ yellowish or turning yellow. [L. _flavescens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of _flavesc[)e]re_, to become yellow--_flavus_, yellow.]

FLAVIAN, fl[=a]v'i-an, _adj._ of or pertaining to the Flavian emperors of Rome--_Flavius_ Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian (69-96 A.D.).

FLAVINE, fl[=a]'vin, _n._ a concentrated preparation of quercitron bark, till recently an important yellow dye. [L. _flavus_, yellow.]

FLAVOUR, fl[=a]'vur, _n._ that quality of anything which affects the smell or the palate: a smack or relish.--_v.t._ to impart flavour to.--_adj._ FL[=A]'VOROUS.--_n._ FL[=A]'VOURING, any substance used to give a flavour.--_adj._ FL[=A]'VOURLESS. [O. Fr. _flaur_; prob. related to L. _fragr[=a]re_ or to _fl[=a]re_.]

FLAW, flaw, _n._ a gust of wind: a sudden rush, uproar. [Cf. Dut. _vlaag_, Sw. _flaga_.]

FLAW, flaw, _n._ a break, a crack: a defect.--_v.t._ to crack or break.--_adjs._ FLAW'LESS; FLAW'Y. [Ice. _flaga_, a slab.]

FLAWN, flawn, _n._ a custard, pancake. [O. Fr. _flaon_--Low L. _fladon-em_--Old High Ger. _flado_.]

FLAX, flax, _n._ the fibres of the plant Linum, which are woven into linen cloth: the flax-plant.--_ns._ FLAX'-COMB, a toothed instrument or heckle for cleaning the fibres of flax; FLAX'-DRESS'ER, one who prepares flax for the spinner by the successive processes of rippling, retting, grassing, breaking, and scutching.--_adj._ FLAX'EN, made of or resembling flax: fair, long, and flowing.--_ns._ FLAX'-MILL, a mill for working flax into linen; FLAX'-SEED, linseed; FLAX'-WENCH, a female who spins flax.--_adj._ FLAX'Y, like flax: of a light colour.--NEW ZEALAND FLAX, a valuable fibre, quite different from common flax, obtained from the leaf of _Phormium tenax_, the flax lily or flax bush. [A.S. _fleax_; Ger. _flachs_.]

FLAY, fl[=a], _v.t._ to strip off the skin:--_pr.p._ flay'ing; _pa.p._ flayed.--_ns._ FLAY'ER; FLAY'-FLINT, a skinflint. [A.S _fl['e]an_; Ice. _fl['a]_, to skin.]

FLEA, fl[=e], _n._ a well-known wingless insect of great agility, ectoparasitic on warm-blooded animals.--_ns._ FLEA'-BANE, a genus of plants which emit a strong smell said to have the power of driving away fleas; FLEA'-BITE, the bite of a flea: a small mark caused by the bite: (_fig._) a trifle.--_adj._ FLEA'-BIT'TEN, bitten by fleas: (_fig._) mean: having small reddish spots on a lighter ground, of horses.--A FLEA IN ONE'S EAR, a caution, rebuff, anything specially irritating. [A.S. _fl['e]ah_; cf. Ger. _floh_, Dut. _vloo_.]

FLEAM, fl[=e]m, _n._ an instrument for bleeding cattle. [Fr. _flamme_--Gr. _phlebotomon_, a lancet--_phleps_, _phlebos_, a vein, and _tem-nein_, to cut.]

FL[`E]CHE, fl[=a]sh, _n._ a spire generally: the slender spire rising from the intersection of the nave and transepts in some large churches: (_fort._) a parapet with two faces forming a salient angle at the foot of a glacis. [Fr., 'an arrow.']

FLECK, flek, _n._ a spot or speckle: a little bit of a thing.--_vs.t._ FLECK, FLECK'ER, to spot: to streak.--_adjs._ FLECKED, spotted, dappled; FLECK'LESS, without spot. [Ice. _flekkr_, a spot; Ger. _fleck_, Dut. _vlek_.]

FLECTION. Same as FLEXION.

FLED, fled, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of FLEE.

FLEDGE, flej, _v.t._ to furnish with feathers or wings.--_v.i._ to acquire feathers for flying.--_n._ FLEDG'LING, a little bird just fledged.--_adj._ FLEDG'Y (_Keats_), feathery. [M. E. _fligge_, _flegge_--A.S. _flycge_, fledged (cf. Ger. _fl[:u]gge_)--_fl['e]ogan_, to fly (Ger. _fliegen_).]

FLEE, fl[=e], _v.i._ to run away, as from danger: to disappear.--_v.t._ to keep at a distance from:--_pr.p._ flee'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ fled.--_n._ FL[=E]'ER. [A.S. _fl['e]on_, akin to _fl['e]ogan_, to fly; Ger. _fliehen_, akin to _fliegen_, to fly.]

FLEECE, fl[=e]s, _n._ the coat of wool shorn from a sheep at one time: anything like a fleece.--_v.t._ to clip wool from: to plunder: to cover, as with wool.--_adjs._ FLEECED, having a fleece; FLEECE'LESS.--_ns._ FLEE'CER, one who strips or plunders; FLEECE'-WOOL, that shorn from the living animal.--_adj._ FLEEC'Y, woolly. [A.S. _fl['e]os_; Dut. _vlies_, Ger. _fliess_.]

FLEECH, fl[=e]ch, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to flatter, coax, beg.--_ns._ FLEECH'ING, FLEECH'MENT.

FLEER, fl[=e]r, _v.t._ or _v.i._ to make wry faces in contempt, to mock.--_n._ mockery.--_n._ FLEER'ING.--_adv._ FLEER'INGLY. [Cf. Norw. _flira_, Sw. _flissa_, to titter.]

FLEET, fl[=e]t, _n._ a number of ships in company, esp. ships of war: a division of the navy, commanded by an admiral. [A.S. _fl['e]ot_, a ship--_fl['e]otan_, to float; conn. with Dut. _vloot_, Ger. _flotte_.]

FLEET, fl[=e]t, _adj._ swift: nimble: transient: (_prov._) shallow.--_adjs._ FLEET'-FOOT (_Shak._), fleet or swift of foot; FLEET'ING, passing quickly: temporary.--_advs._ FLEET'INGLY; FLEET'LY.--_n._ FLEET'NESS. [Prob. Ice. _fli['o]tr_, swift; but ult. cog. with succeeding word.]

FLEET, fl[=e]t, _v.i._ to flit, pass swiftly.--_v.t._ (_Shak._) to make to pass quickly:--_pr.p._ fleet'ing; _pa.p._ fleet'ed. [A.S. _fl['e]otan_, to float.]

FLEET, fl[=e]t, _n._ a shallow creek or bay, as in North_fleet_, _Fleet_-ditch, &c.--THE FLEET, or FLEET PRISON, a London gaol down to 1842, long a place of confinement for debtors--clandestine marriages were solemnised here down to 1754 by broken-down clergymen confined for debt. [A.S. _fl['e]ot_, an inlet.]

FLEMISH, flem'ish, _adj._ of or belonging to the _Flemings_ or people of Flanders, or their language.--_n._ FLEM'ING, a native of Flanders.--FLEMISH SCHOOL, a school of painting formed by the brothers Van Eyck, reaching its height in Rubens, Vandyck, and Teniers; FLEMISH STITCH, a stitch used in making certain kinds of point-lace. [Dut. _Vlaamsch_.]

FLENCH, flensh, _v.t._ to cut up the blubber of, as a whale.--Also FLENSE, FLINCH. [Dan. _flense_.]

FLESH, flesh, _n._ the soft substance which covers the bones of animals: animal food: the bodies of beasts and birds, not fish: the body, not the soul: animals or animal nature: mankind: kindred: bodily appetites: the present life: the soft substance of fruit: the part of a fruit fit to be eaten: (_B._) man's visible nature (as opposed to _Pneuma_ or _Spirit_), his human or bodily nature, the seat of sin, but not originally or necessarily evil.--_v.t._ to train to an appetite for flesh, as dogs for hunting: to accustom: to glut: to use upon flesh, as a sword, esp. for the first time.--_ns._ FLESH'-BROTH, broth made by boiling flesh; FLESH'-BRUSH, a brush used for rubbing the skin to excite circulation; FLESH'-COL'OUR, pale red, like the normal colour of the cheek of a child.--_adj._ FLESHED (flesht), having flesh: fat.--_ns._ FLESH'ER (_Scot._), a butcher; FLESH'-FLY, a fly that deposits its eggs in and feeds on flesh; FLESH'HOOD (_Mrs Browning_), the state of being in the flesh; FLESH'-HOOK, a hook for drawing flesh from a pot; FLESH'INESS.--_n.pl._ FLESH'INGS, thin flesh-coloured dress worn by dancers, actors, &c.--_adj._ FLESH'LESS, without flesh: lean.--_ns._ FLESH'LINESS; FLESH'LING (_Spens._), one wholly devoted to sensuality.--_adj._ FLESH'LY, corporeal: carnal: not spiritual--also _adv._ FLESH'LY-MIND'ED, given to sensual pleasures: carnally-minded.--_ns._ FLESH'-MEAT, flesh of animals used for food; FLESH'MENT (_Shak._), act of fleshing or initiating, excitement arising from success; FLESH'MONGER, one who deals in flesh: (_Shak._) a procurer, a pimp; FLESH'-POT, a pot or vessel in which flesh is cooked: (_fig._) abundance of flesh, high living; FLESH'-POTTERY, sumptuous living; FLESH'-TINT, the tint or colour that best represents the human body; FLESH'-WORM, a worm that feeds on flesh; FLESH'-WOUND, a wound not reaching beyond the flesh.--_adj._ FLESH'Y, fat: pulpy: plump.--AN ARM OF FLESH, human strength or help; IN THE FLESH, in life, alive: (_B._) under control of the lower nature. [A.S. _fl['ae]sc_; cog. forms in all Teut. languages; Ger. _fleisch_, &c.]

FLETCH, flech, _v.i._ to feather.--_n._ FLETCH'ER, one who makes arrows. [Fr. _fl[`e]che_, an arrow.]

[Illustration]

FLEUR-DE-LIS, fl[=oo]r'-de-l[=e]', _n._ the flower of the lily: (_her._) a bearing explained as representing three flowers of the white lily joined together, or the white iris--commonly called _Flower-de-luce_:--_pl._ FLEURS'-DE-LIS'--the arms of the Bourbons and of France.--_ns._ FLEUR'ET, an ornament like a small flower: a fencing-foil; FLEUR'Y (_her._), decorated with a fleur-de-lis, or with the upper part only. [Fr., _lis_ being for L. _lilium_, a lily.]

FLEW, fl[=oo], _pa.t._ of FLY.

FLEWED, fl[=oo]d, _adj._ (_Shak._) having large chops (of dogs). [Ety. unknown.]

FLEXIBLE, fleks'i-bl, FLEXILE, fleks'il, _adj._ easily bent: pliant: docile.--_v.t._ FLEX, to bend or make a flexure of.--_adjs._ FLEXAN'IMOUS, influencing the mind; FLEXED, bent.--_ns._ FLEX'IBLENESS, FLEXIBIL'ITY, pliancy: easiness to be persuaded.--_adv._ FLEX'IBLY.--_ns._ FLEX'ION, FLEC'TION, a bend: a fold: the action of a flexor muscle; FLEX'OR, a muscle which bends a joint, as opposed to _Extensor_.--_adjs._ FLEX'[=U]OUS, FLEX'[=U]OSE, of windings and turnings: variable.--_n._ FLEX'[=U]RE, a bend or turning: (_math._) the curving of a line or surface: the bending of loaded beams: (_Shak._) obsequious bowing. [L. _flexibilis_, _flexilis_--_flect[)e]re_, _flexum_, to bend.]

FLEY, FLAY, fl[=a], _v.t._ to cause to fly: to frighten.--_v.i._ to be frightened. [M. E. _flayen_--A.S. _fl['e]gan_, _fl['e]ogan_, to fly; Ice. _fleyja_, Goth. _flaugjan_.]

FLIBBERTIGIBBET, flib'er-ti-jib'et, _n._ a flighty person: an imp. [Most prob. jargon.]

FLICK, flik, _v.t._ to strike lightly.--_n._ a flip.

FLICKER, flik'[.e]r, _v.i._ to flutter and move the wings, as a bird: to burn unsteadily, as a flame.--_n._ an act of flickering, a flickering movement.--_v.i._ FLICHT'ER, (_Scot._), to flutter, quiver.--_adv._ FLICK'ERINGLY. [A.S. _flicorian_; imit.]

FLIER, FLYER, fl[=i]'[.e]r, _n._ one who flies or flees: a part of a machine with rapid motion.

FLIGHT, fl[=i]t, _n._ a passing through the air: a soaring: excursion: a sally: a series of steps: a flock of birds flying together: the birds produced in the same season: a volley or shower: act of fleeing: hasty removal.--_adj._ FLIGHT'ED (_Milt._), flying.--_adv._ FLIGHT'ILY.--_n._ FLIGHT'INESS.--_adj._ FLIGHT'Y, fanciful: changeable: giddy. [A.S. _flyht_--_fl['e]ogan_.]

FLIM-FLAM, flim'-flam, _n._ a trick. [Formed like _skimble-skamble_, _whim-wham_, &c.]

FLIMP, flimp, _v.t._ (_slang_) to snatch a watch while a confederate prods the victim in the back.

FLIMSY, flim'zi, _adj._ thin: without solidity, strength, or reason: weak.--_n._ transfer-paper: (_slang_) a bank-note: reporters' copy written on thin paper.--_adv._ FLIM'SILY, in a flimsy manner.--_n._ FLIM'SINESS. [First in 18th century. Prob. an onomatopoeic formation suggested by _film_.]

FLINCH, flinsh, _v.i._ to shrink back: to fail.--_ns._ FLINCH'ER; FLINCH'ING, the act of flinching or shrinking.--_adv._ FLINCH'INGLY. [M. E. _flecchen_--O. Fr. _fl['e]chir_, prob. from L. _flect[)e]re_, to bend.]

FLINDER, flin'der, _n._ a splinter or small fragment--usually in _pl._ [Norw. _flindra_, a splinter.]

FLINDERSIA, flin-der'si-a, _n._ a genus of Australian and African trees, yielding African and Madeira mahogany, or Calcedra wood. [From the Australian explorer, Captain Matthew _Flinders_, 1774-1814.]

FLING, fling, _v.t._ to strike or throw from the hand: to dart: to send forth: to scatter: to throw (of a horse).--_v.i._ to act in a violent and irregular manner: to kick out with the legs: to upbraid: to sneer:--_pr.p._ fling'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ flung.--_n._ a cast or throw: a taunt: complete freedom, full enjoyment of pleasure: a lively Scotch country-dance.--FLING OUT, to speak or act recklessly.--FULL FLING, at the utmost speed, recklessly. [Ice. _flengja_; Sw. _fl[:a]nga_.]

FLINT, flint, _n._ a hard mineral, a variety of quartz, from which fire is readily struck with steel: anything proverbially hard.--_adj._ made of flint, hard.--_n._ FLINT'-GLASS, a very fine and pure kind of glass, so called because originally made of calcined flints.--_adjs._ FLINT'-HEART, -ED (_Shak._), having a hard heart.--_v.t._ FLINT'IFY, to turn to flint.--_ns._ FLINT'INESS; FLINT'-LOCK, a gun-lock having a flint fixed in the hammer for striking fire and igniting the priming.--_adj._ FLINT'Y, consisting of or like flint: hard: cruel.--FLINT IMPLEMENTS, arrow, axe, and spear heads, &c. made by man before the use of metals, commonly found in prehistoric graves, &c. [A.S. _flint_; Dan. _flint_; Gr. _plinthos_, a brick.]

FLIP, flip, _n._ a hot drink of beer and spirits sweetened.

FLIP, flip, _v.t._ to fillip, to touch lightly: to toss up with a motion of the thumb.--_v.i._ to flap.--_n._ a fillip, a snap.--_adv._ FLIP'-FLAP, with a repeated flapping movement.--_n._ a coster's dance: a form of somersault: a cracker.--_ns._ FLIP'-FLOP, the sound of a regular footfall; FLIP'PER, a fin: (_slang_) hand.--_adj._ FLIP'PERTY-FLOP'PERTY, that goes flip-flap, loose, dangling. [Attenuated from _flap_.]

FLIPE, fl[=i]p, _v.t._ to fold back, as a sleeve. [Prob. Scand.; cf. Dan. _flip_, a flap.]

FLIPPANT, flip'ant, _adj._ quick and pert of speech: thoughtless.--_ns._ FLIPP'ANCY, FLIPP'ANTNESS, pert fluency of speech: pertness.--_adv._ FLIPP'ANTLY. [Skeat explains as for _flipp_ _-and_ (Old Northumbrian _pr.p._ ending)--Ice. _fleipa_, to prattle.]

FLIRT, fl[.e]rt, _v.t._ to move about quickly like a fan, to flick, rap.--_v.i._ to trifle with love: to play at courtship: to move briskly about.--_n._ a pert, giddy girl: one who coquets for amusement, usually of a woman.--_n._ FLIRT[=A]'TION the act of flirting.--_adj._ FLIRT[=A]'TIOUS (_coll._), giving to flirting.--_ns._ FLIRT'-GILL (_Shak._), a pert or wanton woman; FLIRT'ING.--_adv._ FLIRT'INGLY, in a flirting manner.--_adj._ FLIRT'ISH, betokening a flirt. [Onomatopoeic, like _flick_, _flip_, _flirk_ (a jerk), _spurt_, _squirt_.]

FLISK, flisk, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to skip or caper about: to fret at the yoke.--_n._ a whim: a large-tooth comb.--_adj._ FLISK'Y. [Onomatopoeic.]