Fluffy, adj. (common and theatrical).—Unsteady; of uncertain memory.
Cf., Fluffer (sense 2), and Fluffiness (sense 2).
1885. Referee, July 26, p. 3, col. 2. In the last act Groves and
one or two others were either what actors call fluffy in their
lines, or else Mr. Cross was guilty of irritating tautology.
Fluke, subs. (common).—In billiards, an accidental winning hazard; in
all games a result not played for; a crow (q.v.). In yachting an effect
of chance; a result in which seamanship has had no part. Hence, a
stroke of luck. Sp., bambarria.
1857. Notes and Queries, 2 S. IV., p. 208, col. 1. In playing at
billiards, if a player makes a hazard, etc., which he did not play
for, it is often said that he made a crow.... Another term is, ‘He
made a flook (or fluke).’
1869. Whyte Melville, M or N, p. 100. ‘Only lost a pony on the
whole meeting,’ answered Dick triumphantly. ‘And even that was a
fluke, because Bearwarden’s Bacchante filly was left at the post.’
1873. Black, Princess of Thule, ch. xix. ‘These conditions are not
often fulfilled—it is a happy fluke when they are.’
1880. Hawley Smart, Social Sinners, ch. xxxii. ‘I suppose, by your
asking the question, you have become acquainted with Mr. Solamo’s
past.’ ‘That’s just it, Mr. Prossiter; by an odd fluke I have.’
1891. Hume Nisbet, Bail Up! p. 144. He was now being cured only to
be hanged, most likely, unless by some happy fluke he got off with
imprisonment for life.
Verb (common and billiards).—1. To effect by accident.
1888. Sportsman, 20 Dec. Fortune once more assisted Mitchell, who,
in trying to make a red loser, fluked a cannon, from which he got
on the spot, and made forty-three winners in a break of 161.