Flaw (fl), n. [OE. flai, flaw flake; cf. Sw. flaga flaw, crack, breach,
flake, D. vlaag gust of wind, Norw. flage, flaag, and E. flag a flat
stone.] 1. A crack or breach; a gap or fissure; a defect of continuity
or cohesion; as, a flaw in a knife or a vase.
This heart Shall break into a hundered thousand flaws.
Shak.
2. A defect; a fault; as, a flaw in reputation; a flaw in a will, in a
deed, or in a statute.
Has not this also its flaws and its dark side?
South.
3. A sudden burst of noise and disorder; a tumult; uproar; a quarrel.
[Obs.]
And deluges of armies from the town Came pouring in; I heard the
mighty flaw.
Dryden.