Chapter VIII: Epilogue: , ep'i-log, n. the conclusion of a book: a speech or short poem (5)

FIRE, f[=i]r, _n._ the heat and light caused by burning: flame: anything burning, as fuel in a grate, &c.: a conflagration: torture or death by burning: severe trial: anything inflaming or provoking: ardour of passion: vigour: brightness of fancy: enthusiasm: sexual passion.--_v.t._ to set on fire: to inflame: to irritate: to animate: to cause the explosion of: to discharge.--_v.i._ to take fire: to be or become irritated or inflamed: to discharge firearms.--_n._ FIRE'-ALARM', an alarm of fire, an apparatus for giving such.--_n.pl._ FIRE'ARMS, arms or weapons which are discharged by fire exploding gunpowder.--_ns._ FIRE'-AR'ROW, a small iron dart or arrow furnished with a combustible for setting fire to ships; FIRE'BALL, a ball filled with combustibles to be thrown among enemies: a meteor; FIRE'-BALLOON', a balloon carrying a fire placed in the lower part for rarefying the air to make itself buoyant: a balloon sent up arranged to ignite at a certain height; FIRE'-BAS'KET, a portable grate for a bedroom; FIRE'-BLAST, a blast or blight affecting plants, in which they appear as if scorched by the sun; FIRE'-BOAT, a steamboat fitted up to extinguish fires in docks; FIRE'BOX, the box or chamber (usually copper) of a steam-engine, in which the fire is placed; FIRE'BRAND, a brand or piece of wood on fire: one who inflames the passions of others; FIRE'BRICK, a brick so made as to resist the action of fire, used for lining furnaces, &c.; FIRE'-BRIGADE', a brigade or company of men for extinguishing fires or conflagrations; FIRE'-BUCK'ET, a bucket for carrying water to extinguish a fire; FIRE'CLAY, a kind of clay, capable of resisting fire, used in making firebricks; FIRE'COCK, a cock or spout to let out water for extinguishing fires; FIRE'DAMP, a gas, carburetted hydrogen, in coal-mines, apt to take fire and explode when mixed with atmospheric air; FIRE'-DOG (same as ANDIRON); FIRE'-DRAKE, a fiery meteor, a kind of firework; FIRE'-EAT'ER, a juggler who pretends to eat fire: one given to needless quarrelling, a professed duellist; FIRE'-EN'GINE, an engine or forcing-pump used to extinguish fires with water; FIRE'-ESCAPE', a machine used to enable people to escape from fires.--_adj._ FIRE'-EYED (_Shak._), having fiery eyes.--_ns._ FIRE'-FLAG (_Coleridge_), FIRE'FLAUGHT (_Swinburne_), a flash of lightning; FIRE'-FLY, a name applied to many phosphorescent insects, all included with the _Coleoptera_ or beetles, some giving forth a steady light, others flashing light intermittently (glow-worms, &c.); FIRE'-GUARD, a framework of wire placed in front of a fireplace.--_n.pl._ FIRE'-[=I]'RONS, the irons--poker, tongs, and shovel--used for a fire.--_ns._ FIRE'LIGHT'ER, a composition of pitch and sawdust, or the like, for kindling fires; FIRE'LOCK, a gun in which the fire is caused by a lock with steel and flint; FIRE'MAN, a man whose business it is to assist in extinguishing fires: a man who tends the fires, as of a steam-engine; FIRE'-MAS'TER, the chief of a fire-brigade.--_adj._ FIRE'-NEW, new from the fire: brand new: bright.--_ns._ FIRE'-PAN, a pan or metal vessel for holding fire; FIRE'PLACE, the place in a house appropriated to the fire: a hearth; FIRE'PLUG, a plug placed in a pipe which supplies water in case of fire; FIRE'-POL'ICY, a written instrument of insurance against fire up to a certain amount; FIRE'-POT, an earthen pot filled with combustibles, used in military operations.--_adj._ FIRE'PROOF, proof against fire.--_ns._ FIRE'-PROOFING, the act of rendering anything fireproof: the materials used; FIR'ER, an incendiary; FIRE'-RAIS'ING, the crime of arson.--_adj._ FIRE'-ROBED (_Shak._), robed in fire.--_ns._ FIRE'-SCREEN, a screen for intercepting the heat of the fire; FIRE'-SHIP, a ship filled with combustibles, to set an enemy's vessels on fire; FIRE'SIDE, the side of the fireplace: the hearth: home.--_adj._ homely, intimate.--_ns._ FIRE'-STICK, the implement used by many primitive peoples for obtaining fire by friction; FIRE'STONE, a kind of sandstone that bears a high degree of heat; FIRE'-WA'TER, ardent spirits; FIRE'WOOD, wood for burning.--_n.pl._ FIRE'WORKS, artificial works or preparations of gunpowder, sulphur, &c., to be fired chiefly for display or amusement.--_ns._ FIRE'-WOR'SHIP, the worship of fire, chiefly by the Parsees in Persia and India; FIRE'-WOR'SHIPPER; FIR'ING, a putting fire to: discharge of guns: firewood: fuel: cauterisation; FIR'ING-PAR'TY, a detachment told off to fire over the grave of one buried with military honours, or to shoot one sentenced to death; FIR'ING-POINT, the temperature at which an inflammable oil will take fire spontaneously.--FIRE OFF, to discharge a shot; FIRE OUT (_Shak._), to expel; FIRE UP, to start a fire: to fly into a passion.--SET THE THAMES ON FIRE, to do something striking; TAKE FIRE, to begin to burn: to become aroused about something. [A.S. _fýr_; Ger. _feuer_; Gr. _pyr_.]

FIRK, f[.e]rk, _v.t._ (_Shak._) to whip or beat: to rouse.

FIRKIN, f[.e]r'kin, _n._ a measure equal to the fourth part of a barrel: 9 gallons: 56 lb. of butter. [With dim. suff. _-kin_, from Old Dut. _vierde_, fourth.]

FIRLOT, f[.e]r'lot, _n._ an old Scotch dry measure, the fourth part of a boll.

FIRM, f[.e]rm, _adj._ fixed: compact: strong: not easily moved or disturbed: unshaken: resolute: decided.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to fix, establish, confirm.--_adj._ FIRM'LESS, wavering.--_adv._ FIRM'LY.--_n._ FIRM'NESS. [O. Fr. _ferme_--L. _firmus_.]

FIRM, f[.e]rm, _n._ the title under which a company transacts business: a business house or partnership. [It. _firma_, from L. _firmus_. See FARM.]

FIRMAMENT, f[.e]r'ma-ment, _n._ the solid sphere in which the stars were thought to be fixed: the sky.--_adj._ FIRMAMENT'AL, pertaining to the firmament: celestial. [Fr.,--L. _firmamentum_--_firmus_, firm.]

FIRMAN, f[.e]r'man, or fer-män', _n._ any decree emanating from the Turkish government. [Pers. _fermán_; Sans. _pramâna_, command.]

FIRN, firn, or fern, _n._ snow on high glaciers while still granular--the French _névé_. [Ger. _firn_, of last year; cf. obs. Eng. _fern_, former.]

FIRST, f[.e]rst, _adj._ foremost: preceding all others in place, time, or degree: most eminent: chief.--_adv._ before anything else, in time, space, rank, &c.--_adjs._ FIRST'-BEGOT'TEN, begotten or born first: eldest; FIRST'-BORN, born first.--_n._ the first in the order of birth: the eldest child.--_adj._ FIRST'-CLASS, of the first class, rank, or quality.--_ns._ FIRST'-DAY, Sunday; FIRST'-FLOOR (see FLOOR); FIRST'-FOOT (_Scot._), the first person to enter a house after the beginning of the new year; FIRST'-FRUIT, FIRST'-FRUITS, the fruits first gathered in a season: the first profits or effects of anything, bishoprics, benefices, &c.--_adj._ FIRST'-HAND, obtained without the intervention of a second party.--_n._ FIRST'LING, the first produce or offspring, esp. of animals.--_adv._ FIRST'LY, in the first place.--_adjs._ FIRST'-RATE, of the first or highest rate or excellence: pre-eminent in quality, size, or estimation; FIRST'-WA'TER, the first or highest quality, purest lustre--of diamonds and pearls. [A.S. _fyrst_; the superl. of _fore_ by adding _-st_.]

FIRTH, f[.e]rth. Same as FRITH.

FISC, fisk, _n._ the state treasury: the public revenue: one's purse.--_adj._ FISC'AL, pertaining to the public treasury or revenue.--_n._ a treasurer: a public prosecutor, the chief law officer of the crown under the Holy Roman Empire: (_Scot._) an officer who prosecutes in petty criminal cases--fully, _Procurator-fiscal_. [O. Fr.,--L. _fiscus_, a purse.]

FISGIG. See FIZGIG.

FISH, fish, _n._ a vertebrate that lives in water, and breathes through gills: the flesh of fish: a piece of wood fixed alongside another for strengthening:--_pl._ FISH, or FISH'ES.--_v.t._ to search for fish: to search by sweeping: to draw out or up: (_naut._) to strengthen, as a weak spar: to hoist the flukes of: to seek to obtain by artifice.--_ns._ FISH'-BALL, -CAKE, a ball of chopped fish and mashed potatoes, fried.--_adj._ FISH'-BELL'IED, swelled out downward like the belly of a fish.--_ns._ FISH'-CARV'ER, a large flat implement for carving fish at table--also _Fish'-knife_, _Fish'-slice_, and _Fish'-trow'el_; FISH'-COOP, a square box with a hole in its bottom, used in fishing through a hole in the ice; FISH'-CREEL, an angler's basket, a wicker-basket used for carrying fish; FISH'-DAY, a day on which fish is eaten instead of meat; FISH'ER, one who fishes, or whose occupation is to catch fish: a North American carnivore--a kind of marten or sable, the pekan or wood-shock; FISH'ERMAN, a fisher; FISH'ERY, the business of catching fish: a place for catching fish; FISH'-FAG, a woman who sells fish; FISH'-GARTH, an enclosure on a river for the preserving or taking of fish--also FISH'-WEIR; FISH'-GOD, a deity in form wholly or partly like a fish, like the Philistine Dagon; FISH'-HOOK, a barbed hook for catching fish.--_v.t._ FISH'IFY (_Shak._), to turn to fish.--_n._ FISH'INESS.--_adj._ FISH'ING, used in fishery.--_n._ the art or practice of catching fish.--_ns._ FISH'ING-FROG, the angler-fish; FISH'ING-ROD, a long slender rod to which a line is fastened for angling; FISH'ING-TACK'LE, tackle--nets, lines, &c.--used in fishing; FISH'-JOINT, a joint or splice made with fish-plates; FISH'-KETT'LE, a long oval dish for boiling fish; FISH'-LADD'ER, FISH'-WAY, an arrangement for enabling a fish to ascend a fall, &c.; FISH'-LOUSE, a name widely applied to any of the Copepod crustaceans which occur as external parasites, both on fresh-water and marine fishes; FISH'-MEAL (_Shak._), a meal of fish: abstemious diet; FISH'MONGER, a dealer in fish; FISH'-PACK'ING, the process of packing or canning fish for the market; FISH'-PLATE, an iron plate fitted to the web of a rail, used in pairs, one on each side of the junction of two rails; FISH'-POND, a pond in which fish are kept; FISH'-SALES'MAN, one who receives consignments of fish for sale by auction to retail dealers; FISH'-SAUCE, sauce proper to be eaten with fish, as anchovy, &c.; FISH'-SCRAP, fish or fish-skins from which oil or glue has been extracted; FISH'-SPEAR, a spear or dart for striking fish; FISH'-STRAIN'ER, a metal colander for taking fish from a boiler.--_adj._ FISH'-TAIL, shaped like the tail of a fish.--_ns._ FISH'-TORP[=E]'DO, a self-propelling torpedo; FISH'-WIFE, FISH'-WOM'AN, a woman who sells fish about the streets.--_adj._ FISH'Y, consisting of fish: like a fish: abounding in fish: dubious, as a story: equivocal, unsafe.--_ns._ BAIT'-FISH, such fish as are used for bait, fish that may be caught with bait; BOTT'OM-FISH, those that feed on the bottom, as halibut, &c.--FISH FOR, to seek to gain by cunning or indirect means; FISHERMAN'S LUCK, getting wet and catching no fish; FISHERMAN'S RING, a signet-ring with the device of St Peter fishing, used in signing papal briefs.--A QUEER FISH, a person of odd habits; BE NEITHER FISH NOR FLESH, or NEITHER FISH, FLESH, NOR FOWL, to be neither one thing nor another, in principle, &c.; HAVE OTHER FISH TO FRY, to have something else to do, or to take up one's mind; MAKE FISH OF ONE AND FLESH (or FOWL) OF ANOTHER, to make invidious distinctions, show undue partiality. [A.S. _fisc_; Ger. _fisch_; Ice. _fiskr_; L. _piscis_; Gr. _ichthys_; Gael. _iasg_.]

FISKERY, fisk'er-i, _n._ (_Carlyle_) friskiness.--_v.i._ FISK (_obs._), to jump about. [Prob. a freq. of A.S. _fýsan_, to hurry, or of _fésian_, to feeze; Sw. _fjäska_, to fidget.]

FISSILE, fis'il, _adj._ that may be cleft or split in the direction of the grain.--_adjs._ FISSICOS'TATE, having the ribs divided; FISSILING'UAL, having the tongue cleft.--_ns._ FISSIL'ITY, cleavableness; FIS'SION, a cleaving or breaking up into two parts.--_adj._ FISS'IVE. [L. _fissilis_, from _find[)e]re_, _fissum_, to cleave.]

FISSIPAROUS, fis-sip'a-rus, _adj._ propagated by spontaneous fission or self-division.--_ns._ FISSIP'ARISM, FISSIPA'RITY.--_adv._ FISSIP'AROUSLY. [L. _fissus_, pa.p. of _find[)e]re_, to cleave, _par[)e]re_, to bring forth.]

FISSIPED, fis'i-ped, _adj._ cloven-footed--also _n._

FISSIROSTRAL, fis-i-ros'tral, _adj._ having a deeply cleft or gaping beak, as swallows, &c. [L. _fissus_, cleft, _rostrum_, a beak.]

FISSLE, fis'l, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to rustle: to whistle.

FISSURE, fish'[=u]r, _n._ a narrow opening or chasm: a cleft, slit, or furrow: any groove or sulcus, esp. one of the furrows on the surface of the brain, as the longitudinal fissure separating the hemispheres.--_adj._ FISS'[=U]RED, cleft, divided. [Fr.,--L. _fiss[=u]ra_, from _find[)e]re_, _fissum_, to cleave.]

FIST, fist, _n._ the closed or clenched hand.--_v.t._ to strike or grip with the fist.--_n._ FISTI[=A]'NA, anecdotes about boxing and boxers.--_adj._ FIST'IC (_Dickens_), pugilistic.--_ns._ FIST'ICUFF, a blow with the fist: (_pl._) boxing, blows; FIST'-LAW, the law of brute force.--_adj._ FIST'Y. [A.S. _fýst_; Ger. _faust_.]

FISTULA, fist'[=u]-la, _n._ a narrow passage or duct: the tube through which the wine of the eucharist was once sucked from the chalice--also _Calamus_.--_adjs._ FIST'ULAR, hollow like a pipe; FIST'ULATE, -D, hollowed like a fistula.--_v.i._ FIST'ULATE, to assume such a form.--_adjs._ FIST'ULIFORM; FIST'ULOSE, FIST'ULOUS, of the form of a fistula. [L. _fistula_, a pipe.]

FIT, fit, _adj._ adapted to any particular end or standard, prepared for: qualified: convenient: proper: properly trained and ready, as for a race.--_v.t._ to make fit or suitable: to suit one thing to another: to be adapted to: to qualify.--_v.i._ to be suitable or becoming:--_pr.p._ fit'ting; _pa.p._ fit'ted.--_advs._ FIT'LIEST (_Milt._), most fitly; FIT'LY.--_ns._ FIT'MENT (_Shak._), something fitted to an end; FIT'NESS; FIT'TER, he who, or that which, makes fit.--_adj._ FIT'TING, fit: appropriate.--_n._ anything used in fitting up, esp. in _pl._--_adv._ FIT'TINGLY.--_ns._ FIT'TING-OUT, a supply of things, fit and necessary; FIT'TING-SHOP, a shop in which pieces of machinery are fitted together.--FIT OUT, to furnish, supply with stores, as a ship; FIT UP, to provide with things suitable.--NOT FIT TO HOLD A CANDLE TO (see CANDLE). [First recorded about 1440; app. cog. with FIT, _n._]

FIT, fit, _n._ a sudden attack by convulsions, as apoplexy, epilepsy, &c.: convulsion or paroxysm: a temporary attack of anything, as laughter, &c.: a sudden effort or motion: a passing humour.--_v.t._ (_Shak._) to wrench, as by a fit.--_adj._ FIT'FUL, marked by sudden impulses: spasmodic.--_adv._ FIT'FULLY.--_n._ FIT'FULNESS.--FIT OF THE FACE, a grimace; FITS AND STARTS, spasmodic and irregular bursts of activity; BY FITS, irregularly. [A.S. _fitt_, a struggle--prob. orig. 'juncture,' 'meeting;' cf. Ice. _fitja_, to knit, Dut. _vitten_, to accommodate.]

FIT, fit, _n._ a song, or part of a song or ballad.--Also FITT, FITTE, FYTTE. [A.S. _fitt_, a song.]

FITCH, fich, _n._ now _vetch_: (_B._) Isa. xxviii. 25, black cummin (_Nigella sativa_): in Ezek. iv. 9, a kind of bearded wheat, spelt. [See VETCH.]

FITCHÉ, FITCHÉE, fich'[=a], _adj._ (_her._) cut to a point. [Fr. _ficher_, to fix.]

FITCHEW, fich'[=oo], _n._ a polecat.--Also FITCH'ET. [O. Fr. _fissel_, from root of Dut. _visse_, nasty.]

FITZ, fits, _n._ (a prefix) son of: used in England, esp. of the illegitimate sons of kings and princes, as _Fitzclarence_, &c. [Norman Fr. _fiz_ (Fr. _fils_)--L. _filius_.]

FIVE, f[=i]v, _adj._ and _n._ four and one.--_n._ FIVE'-FING'ER, a name for various plants (cinque-foil, oxlip, &c.): a species of starfish.--_adj._ FIVE'FOLD, five times folded, or repeated in fives.--_ns._ FIV'ER (_coll._), a five-pound note; FIVE'-SQUARE (_B._), having five corners or angles.--FIVE ARTICLES, FIVE POINTS, statements of the distinctive doctrines of the Arminians and Calvinists respectively--the former promulgated in 1610, the latter sustained by the Synod of Dort in 1619 (see CALVINISM).--BUNCH OF FIVES, the fist. [A.S. _fíf_; Ger. _fünf_; Goth. _fimf_; W. _pump_; L. _quinque_; Gr. _pente_, _pempe_; Sans. _pancha_.]

FIVES, f[=i]vz, _n._ (_Shak._) vives, a disease of horses.

FIVES, f[=i]vz, _n.pl._ a game of handball played in a roomy court against a wall, chiefly at the great public schools of England.

FIX, fiks, _v.t._ to make firm or fast: to establish: to drive into: to settle: to put into permanent form: to establish as a fact: to direct steadily: to regulate: to deprive of volatility.--_v.i._ to settle or remain permanently: to become firm: to congeal.--_n._ (_coll._) a difficulty: a dilemma.--_adj._ FIX'ABLE, capable of being fixed.--_ns._ FIX[=A]'TION, act of fixing, or state of being fixed: steadiness, firmness: state in which a body does not evaporate; FIX'ATIVE, that which fixes or sets colours; FIX'ATURE, a gummy preparation for fixing the hair.--_adj._ FIXED, settled: not apt to evaporate: steadily directed towards: fast, lasting, permanent: substantively for fixed stars (_Par. Lost_, III. 481).--_adv._ FIX'EDLY.--_ns._ FIX'EDNESS; FIX'ER; FIXID'ITY, FIX'ITY, fixedness.--_n.pl._ FIX'INGS, things needed for putting in order, arrangement.--_adj._ FIX'IVE.--_ns._ FIX'TURE, a movable that has become fastened to anything, as to land or to a house: a fixed article of furniture: a fixed or appointed time or event, as a horse-race; FIX'URE (_Shak._), stability, position, firmness.--FIXED AIR, the name given by Dr Joseph Black in 1756 to what in 1784 was named by Lavoisier carbonic acid; FIXED BODIES (_chem._), a term applied to those substances which remain fixed, and are not volatilised at moderately high temperatures; FIXED OILS, those which, on the application of heat, do not volatilise without decomposition; FIXED STARS, stars which appear always to occupy the same position in the heavens--opp. to _Planets_. [L., _fixus_, _fig[)e]re_, to fix, prob. through O. Fr. _fix_, or Low L. _fix[=a]re_.]

FIZGIG, fiz'gig, _n._ a giddy girl: a firework of damp powder: a gimcrack: a crotchet.--Also FIS'GIG.

FIZZ, fiz, _v.i._ to make a hissing or sputtering sound.--_n._ any frothy drink, as soda-water, or esp. champagne.--_adj._ FIZ'ZENLESS (_Scot._), pithless--also F[=U]'SIONLESS.--_v.i._ FIZ'ZLE, to hiss or sputter: to come to a sudden stop, to fail disgracefully.--_n._ a state of agitation or worry: an abortive effort.--_adj._ FIZ'ZY, given to fizz. [Formed from the sound.]

FLABBERGAST, flab'[.e]rgast, _v.t._ (_coll._) to stun, confound. [Prob. conn. with _flabby_, and _gast_, to astonish.]

FLABBY, flab'i, _adj._ easily moved: soft, yielding: hanging loose.--_n._ FLABB'INESS. [From _flap_.]

FLABELLATE, flä-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-à-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. _flóke_, 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.]

FLÂNEUR, flä-nür', _n._ one who saunters about with gossip.--_n._ FLÂN'ERIE. [Fr. _flâner_, 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 _fléan_; Ice. _flá_, 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. _fléah_; 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.]

FLÈCHE, 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. _flügge_)--_fléogan_, 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. _fléon_, akin to _fléogan_, 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. _fléos_; 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. _fléot_, a ship--_fléotan_, 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. _fliótr_, 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. _fléotan_, 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. _fléot_, 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['æ]sc_; cog. forms in all Teut. languages; Ger. _fleisch_, &c.]

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

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. _flégan_, _fléogan_, 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_--_fléogan_.]

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. _fléchir_, 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. _flänga_.]

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.]

FLIT, flit, _v.i._ to flutter on the wing: to fly quickly: to be unsteady or easily moved: (_Scot._) to remove from place to place:--_pr.p._ flit'ting; _pa.p._ flit'ted.--_n._ FLIT'TING, a removal from one house to another: a wandering. [Ice. _flytja_; Sw. _flytta_.]

FLITCH, flich, _n._ the side of a hog salted and cured. [A.S. _flicce_; Ice. _flikki_.]

FLITTER, flit'[.e]r, _v.i._ to flutter.--_n._ FLITT'ER-MOUSE, a bat.

FLITTERN, flit'ern, _n._ (_prov._) a young oak.

FLITTERS, flit'ers, _n.pl._ fragments, tatters.

FLIX, fliks, _n._ fur, beaver-down.

FLOAT, fl[=o]t, _v.i._ to swim on a liquid: to be buoyed up: to move lightly and irregularly: to circulate, as a rumour: to drift about aimlessly.--_v.t._ to cause to swim: to cover with water: to set agoing.--_n._ anything swimming on water: a raft: the cork or quill on a fishing-line: a plasterer's trowel.--_adj._ FLOAT'ABLE.--_ns._ FLOAT'AGE, FLOT'AGE, the floating capacity of a thing: anything that floats; FLOAT'-BOARD, a board on the rim of an undershot water-wheel on which the water acts and moves the wheel; FLOAT'ER.--_adj._ FLOAT'ING, swimming: not fixed: circulating.--_n._ action of the verb _float_: the spreading of plaster on the surface of walls.--_ns._ FLOAT'ING-BATT'ERY, a vessel or hulk heavily armed, used in the defence of harbours or in attacks on marine fortresses; FLOAT'ING-BRIDGE, a bridge of rafts or beams of timber lying on the surface of the water; FLOAT'ING-DOCK (see DOCK); FLOAT'ING-IS'LAND, an aggregation of driftwood, roots, &c., capable of bearing soil, floated out from a river delta or the like; FLOAT'ING-LIGHT, a ship, bearing a light, moored on sunken rocks, to warn seamen of danger.--_adv._ FLOAT'INGLY.--_n._ FLOAT'-STONE, a porous, sponge-like variety of quartz, so light as to float for a while on water.--_adj._ FLOAT'Y. [A.S. _flotian_, to float; Ice. _flota_.]

FLOCK, flok, _n._ a company of animals, as sheep, birds, &c.: a company generally: a Christian congregation.--_v.i._ to gather in flocks or in crowds.--_n._ FLOCK'-MAS'TER, an owner or overseer of a flock. [A.S. _flocc_, a flock, a company; Ice. _flokkr_.]

FLOCK, flok, _n._ a lock of wool.--_n._ FLOCCILL[=A]'TION, a delirious picking of the bed-clothes by a patient.--_adjs._ FLOC'COSE, woolly; FLOC'C[=U]LAR; FLOC'C[=U]LATE.--_n._ FLOC'C[=U]LENCE.--_adj._ FLOC'C[=U]LENT, woolly, flaky.--_ns._ FLOC'C[=U]LUS, a small flock or tuft: a small lobe of the inferior surface of the cerebellum; FLOC'CUS, a flock or tuft of wool or wool-like hairs: the downy plumage of unfledged birds:--_pl._ FLOCCI (flok'si); FLOCK'-BED, a bed stuffed with flock or refuse wool; FLOCK'-P[=A]'PER, wall-paper covered with a rough surface formed of flock.--_adj._ FLOCK'Y. [O. Fr. _floc_--L. _floccus_, a lock of wool.]

FLOE, fl[=o], _n._ a field of floating ice. [Prob. Norse _flo_, layer. The usual Danish word is _flage_.]

FLOG, flog, _v.t._ to beat or strike: to lash: to chastise with blows:--_pr.p._ flog'ging; _pa.p._ flogged.--_n._ FLOG'GING. [Late; prob. an abbrev. of _flagellate_.]

FLOOD, flud, _n._ a great flow of water: (_B._) a river: an inundation: a deluge: the rise or flow of the tide: any great quantity.--_v.t._ to overflow: to inundate: to bleed profusely, as after parturition:--_pr.p._ flood'ing; _pa.p._ flood'ed.--_ns._ FLOOD'-GATE, a gate for letting water flow through, or to prevent it: an opening or passage: an obstruction; FLOOD'ING, an extraordinary flow of blood from the uterus; FLOOD'MARK, the mark or line to which the tide rises; FLOOD'-TIDE, the rising or inflowing tide.--THE FLOOD, the deluge in the days of Noah. [A.S. _flód_; Dut. _vloed_, Ger. _fluth_. Cog. with _flow_.]

FLOOR, fl[=o]r, _n._ the part of a room on which we stand: a platform: the rooms in a house on the same level, a story: any levelled area.--_v.t._ to furnish with a floor: (_coll._) to vanquish, stump.--_ns._ FLOOR'CLOTH, a covering for floors made of canvas oil-painted on both sides; FLOOR'ER, a knock-down blow; a decisive retort, &c.: an examination question one cannot answer; FLOOR'ING, material for floors: a platform.--_n.pl._ FLOOR'-TIM'BERS, the timbers placed immediately across a ship's keel, on which her bottom is framed.--_ns._ FIRST'-FLOOR, the floor in a house above the ground-floor--in United States mostly identical with GROUND-FLOOR, the floor of a house on a level with the ground. [A.S. _flór_; Dut. _vloer_, a flat surface, Ger. _flur_, flat land; W. _llawr_.]

FLOP, flop, _v.t._ to cause to hang down.--_v.i._ to plump down suddenly: to break down.--_n._ a fall plump on the ground.--_adv._ FLOP'PILY.--_n._ FLOP'PINESS.--_adj._ FLOP'PY. [A form of _flap_.]

FLORA, fl[=o]'ra, _n._ the collective plants or vegetable species of a region, country, or district: a work containing a descriptive enumeration of these.--_adj._ FL[=O]'RAL, pertaining to Flora or to flowers: (_bot._) containing the flower.--_adv._ FL[=O]'RALLY.--_n._ FLORÉAL (fl[=o]-r[=a]-al'), the 8th month of the French revolutionary calendar, April 20-May 20.--_adj._ FL[=O]'RE[=A]TED, decorated with floral ornament.--_n._ FLORES'CENCE, a bursting into flower: (_bot._) the time when plants flower.--_adj._ FLORES'CENT, bursting into flowers.--_n._ FL[=O]'RET (_bot._), the flowers of any small and closely crowded inflorescence which resembles at first sight a single flower--e.g. composites, teasels, grasses, &c.--_adj._ FL[=O]RICUL'TURAL.--_ns._ FL[=O]'RICULTURE, the culture of flowers or plants; FL[=O]RICUL'TURIST, a florist.--_adj._ FLOR'ID, bright in colour: flushed with red: containing flowers of rhetoric or lively figures: richly ornamental.--_adv._ FLOR'IDLY.--_n._ FLOR'IDNESS.--_adjs._ FL[=O]RIF'EROUS, bearing or producing flowers; FL[=O]'RIFORM, flower-shaped.--_ns._ FL[=O]RIL[=E]'GIUM, an anthology or collection of choice extracts; FLOR'IST, a cultivator of flowers: one who writes an account of plants. [L. _Flora_, the goddess of flowers.]

FLORENTINE, flor'en-tin, _adj._ pertaining to _Florence_ in Tuscany.--_n._ a native or inhabitant thereof: a durable silk textile fabric--also FLOR'ENCE: a pie with no crust beneath the meat.

FLORIN, flor'in, _n._ an English silver coin worth 2s., first minted in 1849: in Austria the unit of account, otherwise called _gulden_, with a value about 2s.: in Holland sometimes called _guilder_, and worth about 1s. 8d.: (_orig._) a Florentine gold coin with a lily stamped on one side, first struck in the 11th century. [Fr., from It. _fiorino_--_fiore_, a lily--L. _flos_.]

FLORUIT, fl[=o]'r[=u]-it, _n._ the period during which a person flourished. [L., 3d pers. sing. perf. of _flor[=e]re_, to flourish.]

FLOSCULE, flos'k[=u]l, _n._ a floret.--_adjs._ FLOS'CULAR, FLOS'CULOUS, composed of many floscules or tubular florets. [L. _flosculus_, dim. of _flos_, a flower.]

FLOSS, flos, _n._ the loose downy or silky substance in the husks of certain plants, as the bean--also FLOSH.--_n._ FLOSS'-SILK, very fine silk fibre extremely soft and downy and with a high lustre, used chiefly for embroidery.--_adj._ FLOSS'Y. [Prob. O. Fr. _flosche_, down: or from some Teut. word cog. with _fleece_--cf. Ice. _flos_, nap.]

FLOTA, fl[=o]'ta, _n._ a commercial fleet: formerly the fleet which annually conveyed the produce of America to Spain. [Sp., 'a fleet.']

FLOTAGE. See FLOATAGE.

FLOTANT, fl[=o]t'ant, _adj._ (_her._) floating in air or in water.

FLOTATION, flo-t[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of floating: the science of floating bodies: act of floating a company or commercial enterprise.--PLANE, or LINE, OF FLOTATION, the plane or line in which the horizontal surface of a fluid cuts a body floating in it.

FLOTILLA, flo-til'a, _n._ a fleet of small ships. [Sp., dim. of _flota_, a fleet.]

FLOTSAM, flot'sam, _n._ goods lost by shipwreck, and found floating on the sea (see JETSAM). [Anglo-Fr. _floteson_ (Fr. _flottaison_)--O. Fr. _floter_, to float.]

FLOUNCE, flowns, _v.i._ to move abruptly or impatiently--_n._ an impatient gesture. [Prob. cog. with Norw. _flunsa_, to hurry, Sw. prov. _flunsa_, to souse.]

FLOUNCE, flowns, _n._ a plaited strip sewed to the skirt of a dress.--_v.t._ to furnish with flounces.--_n._ FLOUN'CING, material for flounces. [Earlier form _frounce_--O. Fr. _fronce_, _fronche_, prob. from L. _frons_, forehead; or Old High Ger. _runza_, a wrinkle, Ger. _runze_.]

FLOUNDER, flown'd[.e]r, _v.i._ to struggle with violent and awkward motion: to stumble helplessly in thinking or speaking. [Prob. an onomatopoeic blending of the sound and sense of earlier words like _founder_, _blunder_. Skeat compares Dut. _flodderen_, to splash.]

FLOUNDER, flown'd[.e]r, _n._ a small flat-fish, generally found in the sea near the mouth of rivers. [Anglo-Fr., _floundre_, O. Fr. _flondre_, most prob. of Scand. origin; cf. Ice. _flyðra_, Sw. _flundra_.]

FLOUR, flowr, _n._ the finely-ground meal of wheat or other grain: the fine soft powder of any substance.--_v.t._ to reduce into or sprinkle with flour.--_v.i._ to break up into fine globules of mercury in the amalgamation process.--_ns._ FLOUR'-BOLT, a machine for bolting flour; FLOUR'-MILL, a mill for making flour.--_adj._ FLOUR'Y, covered with flour. [Fr. _fleur_ (_de farine_, of meal), fine flour--L. _flos_, _floris_, a flower.]

FLOURISH, flur'ish, _v.i._ to thrive luxuriantly: to be prosperous: to use copious and flowery language: to move in fantastic figures: to display ostentatiously: (_mus._) to play ostentatious passages, or ostentatiously: to play a trumpet-call: to make ornamental strokes with the pen: to boast or brag.--_v.t._ to adorn with flourishes or ornaments: to swing about by way of show or triumph: (_Shak._) to gloss over.--_n._ decoration: showy splendour: a figure made by a bold stroke of the pen: the waving of a weapon or other thing: a parade of words: a musical prelude: a trumpet-call.--_adjs._ FLOUR'ISHED, decorated with flourishes; FLOUR'ISHING, thriving: prosperous: making a show.--_adv._ FLOUR'ISHINGLY.--_adj._ FLOUR'ISHY, abounding in flourishes.--FLOURISH OF TRUMPETS, a trumpet-call sounded on the approach of great persons; any ostentatious introduction. [O. Fr. _florir_, L. _flos_, flower.]

FLOUSE, flows, _v.t._ and _v.i._ (_prov._) to splash.--Also FLOUSH.

FLOUT, flowt, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to jeer, mock, or insult: to treat with contempt.--_n._ a mock: an insult.--_adv._ FLOUT'INGLY, with flouting: insultingly.--_n._ FLOUT'ING-STOCK (_Shak._), an object for flouting. [Prob. a specialised use of _floute_, M. E. form of _flute_, to play on the flute. So with Dut. _fluiten_.]

FLOW, fl[=o], _v.i._ to run, as water: to rise, as the tide: to move in a stream, as air: to glide smoothly: to circulate, as the blood: to abound: to hang loose and waving: (_B._) to melt.--_v.t._ to cover with water.--_n._ a stream or current: the setting in of the tide: abundance: copiousness: free expression.--_n._ FLOW'AGE, act of flowing: state of being flooded.--_adj._ FLOW'ING, moving, as a fluid: fluent or smooth: falling in folds or in waves.--_adv._ FLOW'INGLY.--_n._ FLOW'INGNESS. [A.S. _flówan_; Ger. _fliessen_.]

FLOW, flow, _n._ a morass: (_Scot._) a flat, moist tract of land. [Ice. _floi_, a marsh--_flóa_, to flood.]

FLOWER, flow'[.e]r, _n._ a growth comprising the reproductive organs of plants: the blossom of a plant: the best of anything: the prime of life: the person or thing most distinguished: a figure of speech: ornament of style: (_pl._) menstrual discharge (_B._).--_v.t._ to adorn with figures of flowers.--_v.i._ to blossom: to flourish.--_ns._ FLOW'ERAGE, a gathering of flowers; FLOW'ER-BELL, a blossom shaped like a bell; FLOW'ER-BUD, a bud with the unopened flower; FLOW'ER-CLOCK, a collection of flowers so arranged that the time of day is indicated by their times of opening and closing; FLOW'ER-DE-LUCE, the old name for the common species of iris (q.v.), or for the heraldic emblem conventionalised therefrom (see FLEUR-DE-LIS); FLOW'ERET, a little flower: a floret; FLOW'ER-HEAD, a compound flower in which all the florets are sessile on the receptacle; FLOW'ERINESS; FLOW'ERING-RUSH, a monocotyledonous plant usually reckoned under the order _Alismaceæ_, with large linear three-edged leaves and an umbel of rose-coloured flowers.--_adjs._ FLOW'ER-KIR'TLED, FLOW'ERY-KIR'TLED (_Milt._), dressed in robes or garlands of flowers; FLOW'ERLESS (_bot._) having no flowers.--_ns._ FLOW'ER-POT, a utensil in culture whereby plants are rendered portable;, FLOW'ER-SERV'ICE, a church service where offerings of flowers are made, to be afterwards sent to hospitals; FLOW'ER-SHOW, an exhibition of flowers; FLOW'ER-STALK, the stem that supports the flower.--_adj._ FLOW'ERY, full of, or adorned with, flowers: highly embellished, florid.--FLOWER OF JOVE, a caryophyllaceous plant, with heads of purple or scarlet flowers, and leaves silky-white with hairs. [O. Fr. _flour_ (Fr. _fleur_)--L. _flos_, _floris_, a flower.]

FLOWN, fl[=o]n, _pa.p._ of _fly_.

FLOWN, fl[=o]n, _adj._ inflated, flushed: (_Milt._) overflown.

FLUATE, fl[=oo]'[=a]t, _n._ Same as FLUORIDE.

FLUCTUATE, fluk't[=u]-[=a]t, _v.i._ to float backward and forward: to roll hither and thither: to be irresolute.--_v.t._ to cause to move hither and thither.--_adjs._ FLUC'TUANT; FLUC'TU[=A]TING.--_ns._ FLUCTU[=A]'TION, a rising and falling like a wave: motion hither and thither: agitation: unsteadiness; FLUCTUOS'ITY.--_adj._ FLUC'TUOUS. [L. _fluctu[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_fluctus_, a wave--_flu[)e]re_, to flow.]

FLUE, fl[=oo], _n._ a smoke-pipe or small chimney. [Prob. related to _flue_, to expand, splay out.]

FLUE, fl[=oo], _n._ light down: soft down or fur.--_adj._ FLU'EY. [Ety. unknown; conn. with _fluff_.]

FLUE, fl[=oo], _adj._ (_prov._) shallow, flat.--Also FLEW.

FLUENT, fl[=oo]'ent, _adj._ ready in the use of words: voluble: marked by copiousness.--_n._ the variable quantity in fluxions.--_ns._ FLU'ENCE (_Milt._), FLU'ENCY, FLU'ENTNESS, readiness or rapidity of utterance: volubility.--_adv._ FLU'ENTLY. [L. _fluens_, _fluentis_, pr.p. of _flu[)e]re_, to flow.]

FLUFF, fluf, _n._ a soft down from cotton, &c.: anything downy.--_n._ FLUFF'INESS.--_adj._ FLUFF'Y. [Perh. conn. with _flue_, light down.]

FLUGELMAN, fl[=oo]'gl-man', _n._ Same as FUGLEMAN.--_n._ FLÜ'GEL-HORN, a hunting-horn, a kind of keyed bugle.

FLUID, fl[=oo]'id, _adj._ that flows, as water: liquid or gaseous.--_n._ a substance in which the particles can move about with greater or less freedom from one part of the body to another.--_adjs._ FLU'IDAL; FLUID'IC; FLUID'IFORM.--_vs.t._ FLUID'IFY, FLU'IDISE, to make fluid.--_ns._ FLU'IDISM; FLUID'ITY, FLU'IDNESS, a liquid or gaseous state.--_adv._ FLU'IDLY. [Fr.,--L. _fluidus_, fluid--_flu[)e]re_, to flow.]

FLUKE, fl[=oo]k, _n._ a flounder: a parasitic trematoid worm which causes the liver-rot in sheep, so called because like a miniature flounder: a variety of kidney potato. [A.S. _flóc_, a plaice; cf. Ice. _flóke_.]

FLUKE, fl[=oo]k, _n._ the part of an anchor which fastens in the ground.--_adj._ FLUK'Y. [Prob. a transferred use of the foregoing.]

FLUKE, fl[=oo]k, _n._ a successful shot made by chance, as at billiards: any unexpected advantage.

FLUME, fl[=oo]m, _n._ an artificial channel for water to be applied to some industrial purpose: (_U.S._) a narrow defile with upright walls, the bottom occupied by a torrent.--BE, or GO, UP THE FLUME, to come to grief, to be done for. [O. Fr. _flum_--L. _flumen_, a river--_flu[)e]re_, to flow.]

FLUMMERY, flum'[.e]r-i, _n._ an acid jelly made from the husks of oats: the Scotch sowens: anything insipid: empty compliment. [W. _llymru_--_llymrig_, harsh, raw--_llym_, sharp, severe.]