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.]
[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. _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.]
FLUMMOX, flum'oks, _v.t._ (_slang_) to perplex: defeat.
FLUMP, flump, _v.t._ (_coll._) to throw down violently.--_v.i._ to throw
one's self down heavily.--_n._ the dull sound so produced. [Imit.]
FLUNG, flung, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _fling_.
FLUNKEY, flung'ki, _n._ a livery servant: a footman: a mean, cringing
fellow.--_n._ FLUN'KEYDOM.--_adj._ FLUN'KEYISH.--_n._ FLUN'KEYISM. [Perh.
orig. _flanker_, one who runs along by the side of.]
FLUOR, fl[=oo]'or, _n._ a mineral often described as chemically fluate of
lime, but really calcium fluoride, found abundantly in Derbyshire--also
FLU'OR-SPAR, FLU'ORITE.--_ns._ FLUORES'CEIN, a coal-tar product, little
used in dyeing, the colour not being fast; FLUORES'CENCE, a peculiar blue
appearance exhibited by certain substances exposed to sunlight, and
especially observable in a dilute solution of sulphate of quinine.--_adjs._
FLUORES'CENT, having the property of fluorescence; FLUOR'IC.--_ns._
FLU'ORIDE, a binary compound of fluorine with another element; FLU'ORINE,
an elementary substance allied to chlorine, obtained chiefly from fluor;
FLU'OROTYPE, a photographic process in which salts of fluoric acid were
employed for the purpose of producing images in the camera; FLUOSIL'ICATE,
a compound of fluosilicic acid with some base.--_adj._ FLUOSILIC'IC,
composed of silicon and fluorine. [A name given by the alchemists to all
mineral acids because of their _fluidity_, from L. _flu[)e]re_, to flow.]
FLURRY, flur'i, _n._ a sudden blast or gust: agitation: bustle: the
death-agony of the whale: a fluttering assemblage of things, as
snowflakes.--_v.t._ to agitate, to confuse:--_pr.p._ flurr'ying; _pa.p._
flurr'ied.--_v.t._ FLURR, to scatter.--_v.i._ to fly up. [Prob.
onomatopoeic, suggested by _flaw_, _hurry_, &c.]
FLUSH, flush, _n._ a flow of blood to the face causing redness: sudden
impulse: bloom, freshness, vigour: abundance.--_v.i._ to become red in the
face: to flow swiftly.--_v.t._ to make red in the face: to cleanse by a
copious flow of water: to elate, excite the spirits of: mostly in the
_pa.p._ flushed (with victory).--_adj._ (of weather) hot and heavy:
abounding: well supplied, as with money: (_Shak._) in full bloom.--_n._
FLUSH'-BOX, a rectangular tank supplied with water for flushing the bowls
of water-closets.--_adj._ FLUSHED, suffused with ruddy colour:
excited.--_ns._ FLUSH'ER, one who flushes sewers; FLUSH'ING, action of the
verb _flush_: sudden reddening; FLUSH'NESS, quality of being flush.--_adj._
FLUSH'Y, reddish. [Prob. orig. identical with succeeding word, but meaning
influenced by phonetic association with _flash_, the senses relating to
colour by _blush_.]
FLUSH, flush, _v.i._ to start up like an alarmed bird.--_v.t._ to rouse and
cause to start off.--_n._ the act of starting: (_Spens._) a bird, or a
flock of birds so started. [Prob. onomatopoeic; suggested by _fly_,
_flutter_, and _rush_.]
FLUSH, flush, _v.t._ to make even: to fill up to the level of a surface
(often with _up_).--_adj._ having the surface level with the adjacent
surface. [Prob. related to _flush_ above.]
FLUSH, flush, _n._ in card-playing, a hand in which all the cards or a
specified number are of the same suit.--_adj._ in poker, consisting of
cards all of the same suit.--STRAIGHT, or ROYAL, FLUSH, in poker, a
sequence of five cards of the same suit. [Prob. Fr. _flux_--L. _fluxus_,
flow.]
FLUSTER, flus't[.e]r, _n._ hurrying: confusion: heat.--_v.t._ to make hot
and confused: to fuddle.--_v.i._ to bustle: to be agitated or
fuddled.--_v.t._ FLUS'TER[=A]TE, to fluster.--_n._
FLUSTER[=A]'TION.--_adj._ FLUS'TERED, fuddled: flurried.--_n._
FLUS'TERMENT.--_adj._ FLUS'TERY, confused. [Ice. _flaustr_, hurry.]
FLUSTRA, flus'tra, _n._ one of the commonest genera of marine Polyzoa.
FLUTE, fl[=oo]t, _n._ a musical pipe with finger-holes and keys sounded by
blowing: in organ-building, a stop with stopped wooden pipes, having a
flute-like tone: one of a series of curved furrows, as on a pillar, called
also _Fluting_: a tall and narrow wine-glass: a shuttle in
tapestry-weaving, &c.--_v.i._ to play the flute.--_v.t._ to play or sing in
soft flute-like tones: to form flutes or grooves in.--_adj._ FLUT'ED,
ornamented with flutes, channels, or grooves.--_ns._ FLUT'ER; FLUTI'NA
(t[=e]'-), a kind of accordion; FLUT'ING-MACHINE', a machine for
corrugating sheet-metal, also a wood-turning machine for forming twisted,
spiral, and fluted balusters; FLUT'IST.--_adj._ FLUT'Y, in tone like a
flute. [O. Fr. _fleüte_; ety. dub.]
FLUTTER, flut'[.e]r, _v.i._ to move about with bustle: to vibrate: to be in
agitation or in uncertainty: (_obs._) to be frivolous.--_v.t._ to throw
into disorder: to move in quick motions.--_n._ quick, irregular motion:
agitation: confusion: a hasty game at cards, &c. [A.S. _flotorian_, to
float about, from _flot_, the sea, stem of _fléotan_, to float.]
FLUVIAL, fl[=oo]'vi-al, _adj._ of or belonging to rivers.--_n._
FLU'VIALIST.--_adjs._ FLUVIAT'IC, FLU'VIATILE, belonging to or formed by
rivers. [L. _fluvialis_--_fluvius_, a river, _flu[)e]re_, to flow.]
FLUX, fluks, _n._ act of flowing: a flow of matter: quick succession: a
discharge generally from a mucous membrane: matter discharged: excrement:
the term given to the substances employed in the arts to assist the
reduction of a metallic ore and the fusion of a metal.--_v.t._ to
melt.--_v.i._ to flow.--_ns._ FLUX'[=A]TION, the act of flowing or passing
away; FLUXIBIL'ITY, FLUX'IBLENESS.--_adjs._ FLUX'IBLE, FLUX'IDE, that may
be melted.--_ns._ FLUXIL'ITY; FLUX'ION, a flowing or discharge: a
difference or variation: (_math._) the rate of change of a continuously
varying quantity: (_pl._) the name given after Newton to that branch of
mathematics which with a different notation is known after Leibnitz as the
differential and integral calculus.--_adjs._ FLUX'IONAL, FLUX'IONARY,
variable: inconstant.--_n._ FLUX'IONIST, one skilled in fluxions.--_adj._
FLUX'IVE (_Shak._), flowing with tears. [O. Fr.,--L. _fluxus_--_flu[)e]re_,
to flow.]
FLY, fl[=i], _v.i._ to move through the air on wings: to move swiftly: to
pass away: to flee: to burst quickly or suddenly: to flutter.--_v.t._ to
avoid, flee from: to cause to fly, as a kite:--_pr.p._ fly'ing; _pa.t._
flew (fl[=oo]); _pa.p._ flown (fl[=o]n).--_n._ a popular name best
restricted in its simplicity to the insects forming the order _Diptera_,
but often so widely used with a prefix--e.g. _butterfly_, _dragon-fly_,
_May-fly_--as to be virtually equivalent to insect: a fish-hook dressed
with silk, &c., in imitation of a fly: a light double-seated carriage, a
hackney-coach: (_mech._) a flywheel: (_pl._) the large space above the
proscenium in a theatre, from which the scenes, &c., are
controlled.--_adj._ wide-awake: (_slang_) knowing.--_adjs._ FLY'AWAY,
flighty; FLY'-BIT'TEN, marked by the bite of flies.--_n._ FLY'BLOW, the egg
of a fly.--_adj._ FLY'BLOWN, tainted with the eggs which produce
maggots.--_ns._ FLY'BOAT, a long, narrow, swift boat used on canals;
FLY'BOOK, a case like a book for holding fishing-flies; FLY'-CATCH'ER, a
small bird, so called from its catching flies while on the wing;
FLY'-FISH'ER, one who fishes with artificial flies as bait; FLY'-FISH'ING,
the art of so fishing; FLY'-FLAP'PER, one who drives away flies with a
fly-flap; FLY'ING-BRIDGE, a kind of ferry-boat which is moved across a
river by the action of the combined forces of the stream and the resistance
of a long rope or chain made fast to a fixed buoy in the middle of the
river; FLY'ING-BUTT'RESS, an arch-formed prop which connects the walls of
the upper and central portions of an aisled structure with the vertical
buttresses of the outer walls; FLY'ING-CAMP, a body of troops for rapid
motion from one place to another; FLY'ING-DUTCH'MAN, a Dutch black spectral
ship, whose captain is condemned for his impieties to sweep the seas around
the Cape of Storms unceasingly, without ever being able to reach a haven;
FLY'ING-FISH, a fish which can leap from the water and sustain itself in
the air for a short time, by its long pectoral fins, as if flying;
FLY'ING-FOX, a large frugivorous bat; FLY'ING-L[=E]'MUR, a galeopithecoid
insectivore whose fore and hind limbs are connected by a fold of skin,
enabling it to make flying leaps from tree to tree; FLY'ING-PAR'TY, a small
body of soldiers, equipped for rapid movements, used to harass an enemy;
FLY'ING-PHALAN'GER, a general popular name for the petaurists;
FLY'ING-SHOT, a shot fired at something in motion; FLY'ING-SQUID, a squid
having broad lateral fins by means of which it can spring high out of the
water; FLY'ING-SQUIRR'EL, a name given to two genera of squirrels, which
have a fold of skin between the fore and hind legs, by means of which they
can take great leaps in the air; FLY'LEAF, a blank leaf at the beginning
and end of a book; FLY'-LINE, a line for angling with an artificial fly;
FLY'-MAK'ER, one who ties artificial flies for angling; FLY'MAN, one who
works the ropes in the flies of a theatre; FLY'P[=A]PER, a porous paper
impregnated with poison for destroying flies; FLY'-POW'DER, a poisonous
powder used for killing flies; FLY'-RAIL, that part of a table which turns
out to support the leaf.--_adj._ (_Shak._) moving slow as a fly on its
feet.--_ns._ FLY'-ROD, a light flexible rod used in fly-fishing, usually in
three pieces--butt, second-joint, and tip; FLY'-TRAP, a trap to catch
flies: (_bot._) the spreading dog-bane, also the Venus's fly-trap;
FLY'WHEEL, a large wheel with a heavy rim applied to machinery to equalise
the effect of the driving effort.--FLY AT, to attack suddenly; FLY IN THE
FACE OF, to insult: to oppose; FLY OPEN, to open suddenly or violently; FLY
OUT, to break out in a rage; FLY THE KITE, to obtain money as by
accommodation bills, the endorser himself having no money; FLY UPON, to
seize: to attack.--A FLY IN THE OINTMENT, some slight flaw which corrupts a
thing of value (Eccles. x. i.); BREAK A FLY ON THE WHEEL, to subject to a
punishment out of all proportion to the gravity of the offence; LET FLY, to
attack: to throw or send off; MAKE THE FEATHERS FLY (see FEATHERS). [A.S.
_fléogan_, pa.t. _fleáh_; Ger. _fliegen_.]
FLYTE, FLITE, fl[=i]t, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to scold, to brawl.--_n._ FLYTE,
FLYT'ING, a scolding, or heated dispute. [A.S. _flítan_, to strive; Ger.
_be-fleissen_.]
FOAL, f[=o]l, _n._ the young of a mare or of a she-ass.--_v.i._ and _v.t._
to bring forth a foal.--_ns._ FOAL'FOOT, colts-foot; FOAL'ING, bringing
forth of a foal or young. [A.S. _fola_; Ger. _fohlen_, Gr. _p[=o]los_; L.
_pullus_.]
FOAM, f[=o]m, _n._ froth: the bubbles which rise on the surface of liquors:
fury.--_v.i._ to gather foam: to be in a rage.--_v.t._ (_B._) to throw out
with rage or violence (with _out_).--_adv._ FOAM'INGLY.--_adjs._ FOAM'LESS,
without foam; FOAM'Y, frothy. [A.S. _fám_; Ger. _feim_, prob. akin to L.
_spuma_.]
FOB, fob, _n._ a trick.--_v.t._ to cheat. [Prob. a corr. of O. Fr. _forbe_,
a rogue; or Ger. _foppen_, to jeer.]
FOB, fob, _n._ a small pocket in the waistband of trousers for a watch: a
chain with seals, &c., hanging from the fob. [If orig. a secret pocket,
perh. connected with the above.]
FOCUS, f[=o]'kus, _n._ (_opt._) a point in which several rays meet and are
collected after being reflected or refracted, while a _virtual_ focus is a
point from which rays tend after reflection or refraction--the _principal_
focus is the focus of parallel rays after reflection or refraction: any
central point:--_pl._ F[=O]'CUSES, FOCI (f[=o]'s[=i]).--_v.t._ to bring to
a focus: to concentrate:--_pa.p._ f[=o]'cussed.--_adj._ F[=O]'CAL, of or
belonging to a focus.--_v.t._ F[=O]'CALISE, to bring to a focus: to
concentrate.--_n._ FOCIMETER (f[=o]-sim'e-t[.e]r), an instrument for
assisting in focussing an object in or before a photographic
camera--usually a lens of small magnifying power.--FOCUSSING CLOTH, a cloth
thrown over a photographic camera and the operator's head and shoulders to
exclude all light save that coming through the lens.--CONJUGATE FOCI, two
points so situated that if a light be placed at one, its rays will be
reflected to the other; IN FOCUS, placed or adjusted so as to secure
distinct vision, or a sharp, definite image. [L. _focus_, a hearth.]
FODDER, fod'[.e]r, _n._ food for cattle, as hay and straw.--_v.t._ to
supply with fodder.--_ns._ FODD'ERER; FODD'ERING. [A.S. _fódor_; Ger.
_futter_.]
FODIENT, f[=o]'di-ent, _adj._ and _n._ digging.
FOE, f[=o], _n._ an enemy: one who, or that which, injures or hinders
anything: an ill-wisher.--_ns._ FOE'MAN, an enemy in war:--_pl._ FOE'MEN;
F[=O]'EN (_Spens._), pl. of foe. [M. E. _foo_--A.S. _fáh_, _fá_ (adj.),
allied to the compound n. _gefá_; cf. _féogan_, to hate.]
FOETUS, FETUS, f[=e]'tus, _n._ the young of animals in the egg or in the
womb, after its parts are distinctly formed, until its birth.--_adjs._
FOE'TAL, F[=E]'TAL, pertaining to a foetus; FOE'TICIDAL.--_ns._ FOE'TICIDE,
F[=E]'TICIDE, destruction of the foetus. [L., from obs. _feu[=e]re_, to
bring forth, whence _femina_, _fecundus_, &c.]
FOG, fog, _n._ a thick mist: watery vapour rising from either land or
water.--_v.t._ to shroud in fog.--_v.i._ to become coated with a uniform
coating.--_ns._ FOG'-BANK, a dense mass of fog sometimes seen at sea
appearing like a bank of land; FOG'-BELL, a bell rung by the motion of the
waves or wind to warn sailors from rocks, shoals, &c. in foggy
weather.--_adj._ FOG'-BOUND, impeded by fog.--_ns._ FOG'-BOW, a whitish
arch like a rainbow, seen in fogs.--_adv._ FOG'GILY.--_n._
FOG'GINESS.--_adj._ FOG'GY, misty: damp: clouded in mind: stupid.--_n._
FOG'-HORN, a horn used as a warning signal by ships in foggy weather: a
sounding instrument for warning ships off the shore during a fog: a
siren.--_adj._ FOG'LESS, without fog, clear.--_ns._ FOG'-RING, a bank of
fog in the form of a ring; FOG'-SIG'NAL, an audible signal used on board
ship, &c., during a fog, when visible signals cease to be of use;
FOG'-SMOKE, fog. [The origin of the word is hopelessly misty; Mr Bradley
connects with succeeding word; Prof. Skeat connects with Dan. _fog_, as in
_snee-fog_, thick falling snow; cf. Ice. _fok_, a snowdrift.]
FOG, fog, FOGGAGE, fog'[=a]j, _n._ grass which grows in autumn after the
hay is cut: (_Scot._) moss.--_v.i._ to become covered with fog. [Origin
unknown; W. _ffwg_, dry grass, is borrowed.]
FOGY, FOGEY, f[=o]'gi, _n._ a dull old fellow; a person with antiquated
notions.--_adjs._ F[=O]'GRAM, antiquated.--_n._ a fogy.--_ns._
F[=O]'GRAMITE; FOGRAM'ITY; F[=O]GYDOM.--_adj._ F[=O]'GYISH.--_n._
F[=O]'GYISM. [Prob. a substantive use of _foggy_ in sense of 'fat,'
'bloated,' 'moss-grown.']
FOH, f[=o], _interj._ an exclamation of abhorrence or contempt.
FOIBLE, foi'bl, _n._ a weak point in one's character: a failing. [O. Fr.
_foible_, weak.]
FOIL, foil, _v.t._ to defeat: to puzzle: to disappoint: (_Spens._) to beat
down or trample with the feet:--_pr.p._ foil'ing; _pa.p._ foiled.--_n._
failure after success seemed certain: defeat: a blunt sword used in
fencing, having a button on the point.--PUT TO THE FOIL, to blemish. [O.
Fr. _fuler_, to stamp or crush--Low L. _fullare_--_fullo_, a fuller of
cloth.]
FOIL, foil, _n._ a leaf or thin plate of metal, as tin-foil: a thin leaf of
metal put under precious stones to increase their lustre or change their
colour: anything that serves to set off something else: a small arc in the
tracery of a window, &c. (_trefoiled_, _cinquefoiled_, _multifoiled_,
&c.).--_adj._ FOILED.--_n._ FOIL'ING. [O. Fr. _foil_ (Fr. _feuille_)--L.
_folium_, a leaf.]
FOIN, foin, _v.i._ to thrust with a sword or spear.--_n._ a thrust with a
sword or spear.--_adv._ FOIN'INGLY. [O. Fr. _foine_--L. _fuscina_, a
trident.]
FOISON, foi'zn, _n._ plenty: autumn.--_adj._ FOI'SONLESS, weak,
feeble--(_Scot._) FIZZ'ENLESS. [O. Fr.,--L. _fusion-em_--_fund[)e]re_,
_fusum_, to pour forth.]
FOIST, foist, _v.t._ to bring in by stealth: to insert wrongfully: to pass
off as genuine (with _in_ or _into_ before the thing affected, and _upon_
before the person).--_n._ FOIST'ER. [Prob. Dut. prov. _vuisten_, to take in
the hand; _vuist_, fist.]
FOLD, f[=o]ld, _n._ the doubling of any flexible substance: a part laid
over on another: (_pl._) complex arrangements, intricacy.--_v.t._ to lay
one part over another: to enclose in a fold or folds, to wrap up: to
embrace.--FOLD, in composition with numerals=times, as in TEN'FOLD.--_n._
FOLD'ER, the person or thing that folds: a flat knife-like instrument used
in folding paper.--_adj._ FOLD'ING, that folds, or that can be folded, as
_folding-bed_, _-chair_, _-joint_, _-net_, _-table_, &c.--_ns._ FOLD'ING, a
fold or plait; FOLD'ING-DOOR, a door consisting of two parts hung on
opposite jambs, so that their edges come into contact when the door is
closed; FOLD'ING-MACHINE', a mechanism that automatically folds printed
sheets. [A.S. _fealdan_, to fold; pa.t. _feóld_; Ger. _falten_.]
FOLD, f[=o]ld, _n._ an enclosure for protecting domestic animals, esp.
sheep: a flock of sheep: (_fig._) a church: the Christian Church.--_v.t._
to confine in a fold.--_n._ FOLD'ING. [A.S. _fald_, a fold, stall.]
FOLDEROL, fol'de-rol, _n._ mere nonsense: silly trifle: (_pl._) trivial
ornaments. [Formed from meaningless syllables, the refrain of old songs.]
FOLIACEOUS, f[=o]-li-[=a]'shus, _adj._ pertaining to or consisting of
leaves or laminæ. [L. _foliaceus_--_folium_, a leaf.]
FOLIAGE, f[=o]'l[=i]-[=a]j, _n._ leaves: a cluster of leaves: (_archit._) a
representation of leaves, flowers, and branches used for
ornamentation.--_adjs._ F[=O]'LIAGED, worked like foliage; F[=O]'LIAR,
pertaining to leaves: resembling leaves.--_v.t._ F[=O]'LI[=A]TE (_orig._),
to beat into a leaf: to cover with leaf-metal.--_adj._ F[=O]'LI[=A]TED,
beaten into a thin leaf: decorated with leaf ornaments: (_mus._) having
notes added above or below, as in a plain-song melody.--_ns._
F[=O]'LI[=A]TION, the leafing, esp. of plants: the act of beating a metal
into a thin plate, or of spreading foil over a piece of glass to form a
mirror: (_geol._) the alternating and more or less parallel layers or folia
of different mineralogical nature, of which the crystalline schists are
composed: (_archit._) decoration with cusps, lobes, or foliated tracery;
F[=O]'LIATURE, foliation. [O. Fr. _fueillage_--L. _folium_, a leaf.]
FOLIO, f[=o]'li-[=o], _n._ a sheet of paper once folded: a book of such
sheets: the size of such a book: one of several sizes of paper adapted for
folding once into well-proportioned leaves: (_book-k._) a page in an
account-book, or two opposite pages numbered as one: (_law_) a certain
number of words taken as a basis for computing the length of a document: a
wrapper for loose papers.--_adj._ pertaining to or containing paper only
once folded.--_v.t._ to number the pages of: to mark off the end of every
folio in law copying.--IN FOLIO, in sheets folded but once: in the form of
a folio. [Abl. of L. _folium_, the leaf of a tree, a leaf or sheet of
paper.]
FOLIOLE, f[=o]'li-[=o]l, _n._ (_bot._) a single leaflet of a compound
leaf.--_adj._ F[=O]'LIOLATE, of or pertaining to leaflets. [Fr., dim. of L.
_folium_, a leaf.]
FOLK, f[=o]k, _n._ people, collectively or distributively: a nation or race
(rarely in _pl._): (_arch._) the people, commons: (_pl._) those of one's
own family, relations (_coll._):--generally used in _pl._ FOLK or FOLKS
(f[=o]ks).--_ns._ FOLKE'THING, the lower house of the Danish parliament or
Rigsdag; FOLK'LAND, among the Anglo-Saxons, public land as distinguished
from _boc-land_ (bookland)--i.e. land granted to private persons by a
written charter; FOLK'LORE, a department of the study of antiquities or
archæology, embracing everything relating to ancient observances and
customs, to the notions, beliefs, traditions, superstitions, and prejudices
of the common people--the science which treats of the survivals of archaic
beliefs and customs in modern ages (the name _Folklore_ was first suggested
by W. J. Thoms--'Ambrose Merton'--in the _Athenæum_, August 22, 1846);
FOLK'LORIST, one who studies folklore; FOLK'MOTE, an assembly of the people
among the Anglo-Saxons; FOLK'-RIGHT, the common law or right of the people;
FOLK'-SONG, any song or ballad originating among the people and
traditionally handed down by them: a song written in imitation of such;
FOLK'-SPEECH, the dialect of the common people of a country, in which
ancient idioms are embedded; FOLK'-TALE, a popular story handed down by
oral tradition from a more or less remote antiquity. [A.S. _folc_; Ice.
_fólk_; Ger. _volk_.]
FOLLICLE, fol'i-kl, _n._ (_anat._) a gland: (_bot._) a
seed-vessel.--_adjs._ FOLLIC'ULAR, pertaining to or consisting of
follicles; FOLLIC'ULATED; FOLLIC'ULOUS. [Fr.,--L. _folliculus_, dim. of
_follis_, a wind-bag.]
FOLLOW, fol'[=o], _v.t._ to go after or behind: to come after, succeed: to
pursue: to attend: to imitate: to obey: to adopt, as an opinion: to keep
the eye or mind fixed on: to pursue, as an object of desire: to result
from, as an effect from a cause: (_B._) to strive to obtain.--_v.i._ to
come after another: to result.--_n._ (_billiards_) a stroke which causes
the ball to follow the one which it has struck.--_ns._ FOLL'OW-BOARD, in
moulding, the board on which the pattern is laid; FOLL'OWER, one who comes
after: a copier: a disciple: a servant-girl's sweetheart; FOLL'OWING, the
whole body of supporters.--_adj._ coming next after.--FOLLOW HOME, to
follow closely: to follow to the end; FOLLOW ON (_B._), to continue
endeavours; FOLLOW SUIT, in card-playing, to play a card of the same suit
as the one which was led: to do anything on the same lines as another;
FOLLOW UP, to pursue an advantage closely. [A.S. _folgian_, _fylgian_, app.
a compound, but obscure; Ger. _folgen_.]
FOLLY, fol'i, _n._ silliness or weakness of mind: a foolish act: criminal
weakness: (_B._) sin: a monument of folly, as a great structure left
unfinished, having been begun without a reckoning of the cost.--_v.i._ to
act with folly. [O. Fr. _folie_--_fol_, foolish.]
FOMENT, fo-ment', _v.t._ to bathe with warm water: to encourage: to
instigate (usually to evil).--_ns._ FOMENT[=A]'TION, a bathing or lotion
with warm water: encouragement; FOMENT'ER. [Fr.,--L.
_foment[=a]re_--_fomentum_ for _fovimentum_--_fov[=e]re_, to warm.]
FOMES, f[=o]'miz, _n._ any porous substance capable of absorbing and
retaining contagious effluvia:--_pl._ FOM[=I]'TES. [L., touchwood.]
FON, fon, _n._ (_Spens._) a fool, an idiot.--_v.i._ to be foolish, play the
fool.--_adv._ FON'LY, foolishly.
FOND, fond, _adj._ foolishly tender and loving: weakly indulgent: prizing
highly (with _of_): very affectionate: kindly disposed: (_obs._)
foolish.--_v.i._ to dote.--_v.t._ FOND'LE, to treat with fondness: to
caress.--_ns._ FOND'LER; FOND'LING, the person or thing fondled.--_adv._
FOND'LY, in a fond manner, foolishly.--_n._ FOND'NESS. [For _fonned_, pa.p.
of M. E. _fonnen_, to act foolishly, _fon_, a fool; fondly conn. by some
with Sw. _fåne_, fool, Ice. _fáni_, swaggerer.]
FOND. See FAND (2).
FONE, f[=o]n, _n._ (_Spens._) _pl._ of _foe_.
FONT, font, _n._ the vessels used in churches as the repository of the
baptismal water, usually a basin or cup hollowed out of a solid block of
marble, &c.--_adj._ FONT'AL, pertaining to a font or origin.--_ns._
FONT'LET, a little font; FONT'-STONE, a baptismal font of stone. [L.
_font-em_, _fons_, a fountain.]
FONT, font, FOUNT, fownt, _n._ a complete assortment of types of one sort,
with all that is necessary for printing in that kind of letter. [Fr.
_fonte_--_fondre_--L. _fund[)e]re_, to cast.]
FONTANELLE, fon-ta-nel', _n._ a gap between the bones of the skull of a
young animal: an opening for the discharge of pus.--Also FONTANEL'. [Fr.]
FONTANGE, fong-tanzh', _n._ a tall head-dress worn in the 17th and 18th
centuries. [Fr., from _Fontanges_, the territorial title of one of Louis
XIV.'s drabs.]
FONTARABIAN, fon-ta-r[=a]'bi-an, _adj._ pertaining to _Fontarabia_ or
Fuenterrabia on the Pyrenees, where Roland was overpowered and slain by the
Saracens.
FONTICULUS, fon-tik'[=u]-lus, _n._ a small ulcer produced by caustics, &c.:
the depression just over the top of the breast-bone. [L., dim. of _fons_.]
FONTINALIS, fon-tin-[=a]'lis, _n._ a genus of aquatic mosses allied to
_Hypnum_, almost without stalk. [Formed from L. _fons_.]
FOOD, f[=oo]d, _n._ what one feeds on: that which, being digested,
nourishes the body: whatever sustains or promotes growth.--_adjs._
FOOD'FUL, able to supply food abundantly; FOOD'LESS, without food. [A.S.
_fóda_; Goth. _fódeins_, Sw. _föda_.]
FOOD, f[=oo]d, _n._ (_Spens._). Same as FEUD.
FOOL, f[=oo]l, _n._ one who acts stupidly: a person of weak mind: a jester:
a tool or victim, as of untoward circumstances: (_B._) a wicked
person.--_v.t._ to deceive: to treat with contempt.--_v.i._ to play the
fool: to trifle.--_adjs._ FOOL'-BEGGED (_Shak._), taken for a fool,
idiotical, absurd; FOOL'-BORN (_Shak._), foolish from one's birth, arising
from folly.--_n._ FOOL'ERY, an act of folly: habitual folly.--_adj._
FOOL'-HAPP'Y, happy or lucky without contrivance or judgment.--_n._
FOOL'-HARD'INESS--(_Spens._) FOOL'-HARD'ISE.--_adjs._ FOOL'-HARD'Y,
foolishly bold: rash or incautious; FOOL'ISH, weak in intellect: wanting
discretion: ridiculous: marked with folly: deserving ridicule: (_B._)
sinful, disregarding God's laws.--_adv._ FOOL'ISHLY.--_ns._ FOOL'ISHNESS,
FOOL'ING, foolery.--_adj._ FOOL'ISH-WIT'TY (_Shak._), wise in folly and
foolish in wisdom.--_ns._ FOOL'S'-ERR'AND, a silly or fruitless enterprise:
search for what cannot be found; FOOL'S'-PARS'LEY, an umbelliferous plant
in Britain, not to be mistaken for parsley, being poisonous.--FOOL AWAY, to
spend to no purpose or profit; FOOL'S CAP, a kind of head-dress worn by
professional fools or jesters, usually having a cockscomb hood with bells;
FOOL'S PARADISE, a state of happiness based on fictitious hopes or
expectations; FOOL WITH, to meddle with officiously; MAKE A FOOL OF, to
bring a person into ridicule: to disappoint; PLAY THE FOOL, to behave as a
fool: to sport. [O. Fr. _fol_ (Fr. _fou_), It. _folle_--L. _follis_, a
wind-bag.]
FOOL, f[=oo]l, _n._ crushed fruit scalded or stewed, mixed with cream and
sugar, as 'gooseberry fool.' [Prob. a use of preceding suggested by
_trifle_.]
FOOLSCAP, f[=oo]lz'kap, _n._ a long folio writing or printing paper,
varying in size (17×13½ in., 16¾×13½ in., &c.), so called from having
originally borne the water-mark of a fool's cap and bells.
FOOT, foot, _n._ that part of its body on which an animal stands or walks
(having in man 26 bones): the lower part or base: a measure=12 in.,
(_orig._) the length of a man's foot: foot-soldiers: a division of a line
of poetry:--_pl._ FEET.--_v.i._ to dance: to walk:--_pr.p._ foot'ing;
_pa.p._ foot'ed.--_ns._ FOOT'BALL, a large ball for kicking about in sport:
play with this ball; FOOT'-BATH, act of bathing the feet: a vessel for this
purpose; FOOT'-BOARD, a support for the foot in a carriage or elsewhere:
the foot-plate of a locomotive engine; FOOT'BOY, an attendant in livery;
FOOT'BREADTH, the breadth of a foot, an area of this size; FOOT'BRIDGE, a
narrow bridge for foot-passengers; FOOT'CLOTH (_Shak._), a sumpter-cloth
which reached to the feet of the horse.--_p.adj._ FOOT'ED, provided with a
foot or feet: (_Shak._) having gained a foothold, established.--_ns._
FOOT'FALL, a setting the foot on the ground: a footstep; FOOT'GEAR, shoes
and stockings.--_n.pl._ FOOT'GUARDS, guards that serve on foot, the élite
of the British infantry.--_ns._ FOOT'HILL, a minor elevation distinct from
the higher part of a mountain and separating it from the valley (usually in
_pl._); FOOT'HOLD, space on which to plant the feet: that which sustains
the feet; FOOT'ING, place for the foot to rest on: firm foundation:
position: settlement: tread: dance: plain cotton lace.--_adj._ FOOT'LESS,
having no feet.--_ns._ FOOT'-LICK'ER (_Shak._), a fawning, slavish
flatterer; FOOT'LIGHT, one of a row of lights in front of and on a level
with the stage in a theatre, &c.; FOOT'MAN, a servant or attendant in
livery: (_B._) a soldier who serves on foot: a runner:--_pl._ FOOT'MEN;
FOOT'MARK, FOOT'PRINT, the mark or print of a foot: a track; FOOT'NOTE, a
note of reference at the foot of a page; FOOT'PAD, a highwayman or robber
on foot, who frequents public paths or roads; FOOT'-PASS'ENGER, one who
travels on foot; FOOT'PATH, a narrow way which will not admit carriages;
FOOT'-PLATE, the platform on which the driver and stoker of a locomotive
engine stand; FOOT'-POST, a post or messenger that travels on foot;
FOOT'-POUND, the force needed to raise one pound weight the height of one
foot--the usual unit in measuring mechanical force; FOOT'-RACE, a race on
foot; FOOT'-ROPE, a rope stretching along under a ship's yard for the men
standing on when furling the sails: the rope to which the lower edge of a
sail is attached; FOOT'ROT, a name applied to certain inflammatory
affections about the feet of sheep; FOOT'RULE, a rule or measure a foot in
length; FOOT'-SOL'DIER, a soldier that serves on foot.--_adj._ FOOT'-SORE,
having sore or tender feet, as by much walking.--_ns._ FOOT'-STALK
(_bot._), the stalk or petiole of a leaf; FOOT'-STALL, a woman's stirrup;
FOOT'STEP, the step or impression of the foot: a track: trace of a course
pursued.--_n.pl._ FOOT'STEPS, course, example.--_ns._ FOOT'STOOL, a stool
for placing one's feet on when sitting: anything trodden upon;
FOOT'-WARM'ER, a contrivance for keeping the feet warm; FOOT'WAY, a path
for passengers on foot.--_p.adj._ FOOT'WORN, worn by many feet, as a stone:
foot-sore.--FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (see MURRAIN).--FOOT IT, to walk: to
dance.--COVER THE FEET (_B._), a euphemism for, to ease nature.--PUT ONE'S
BEST FOOT FOREMOST, to appear at greatest advantage; PUT ONE'S FOOT IN IT,
to spoil anything by some indiscretion; SET ON FOOT, to originate. [A.S.
_fót_, pl. _fét_; Ger. _fuss_, L. _pes_, _pedis_, Gr. _pous_, _podos_,
Sans. _p[=a]d_.]
FOOTY, foot'i, _adj._ (_prov._) mean.--Also FOUGHT'Y. [Prob. an A.S.
_fúhtig_; cog. with Dut. _vochtig_.]
FOOZLE, f[=oo]z'l, _n._ (_coll._) a tedious fellow: a bungled stroke at
golf, &c.--_v.i._ to fool away one's time.--_n._ FOOZ'LER.--_p.adj._
FOOZ'LING. [Cf. Ger. prov. _fuseln_, to work slowly.]
FOP, fop, _n._ an affected dandy.--_ns._ FOP'LING, a vain affected person;
FOP'PERY, vanity in dress or manners: affectation: folly.--_adj._ FOP'PISH,
vain and showy in dress: affectedly refined in manners.--_adv._
FOP'PISHLY.--_n._ FOP'PISHNESS. [Cf. Ger. _foppen_, to hoax.]
FOR, for, _prep._ in the place of: for the sake of: on account of: in the
direction of: with respect to, by reason of: appropriate or adapted to, or
in reference to: beneficial to: in quest of: notwithstanding, in spite of:
in recompense of: during.--FOR ALL (_N.T._), notwithstanding; FOR IT, to be
done for the case, usually preceded by a negative; FOR TO (_B._), in order
to.--AS FOR, as far as concerns. [A.S. _for_; Ger. _für_, _vor_, akin to L.
and Gr. _pro_, Sans. _pra_, before in place or time.]
FOR, for, _conj._ the word by which a reason is introduced: because: on the
account that.--FOR BECAUSE and FOR THAT=because; FOR WHY=why.
FORAGE, for'aj, _n._ fodder, or food for horses and cattle: provisions: the
act of foraging.--_v.i._ to go about and forcibly carry off food for horses
and cattle, as soldiers.--_v.t._ to plunder.--_ns._ FOR'AGE-CAP, the
undress cap worn by infantry soldiers; FOR'AGER. [Fr. _fourrage_, O. Fr.
_feurre_, fodder, of Teut. origin.]
FORAMEN, fo-r[=a]'men, _n._ a small opening:--_pl._ FORAM'INA.--_adjs._
FORAM'INATED, FORAM'INOUS, pierced with small holes: porous.--_n.pl._
FORAMINIF'ERA, an order of _Rhizopoda_, furnished with a shell or test,
usually perforated by pores (_foramina_).--_n._ FORAMIN'IFER, one of
such.--_adjs._ FORAMINIF'ERAL, FORAMINIF'EROUS.--FOR[=A]MEN MAGNUM, the
great hole in the occipital bone for the passage of the medulla oblongata
and its membranes. [L.,--_for[=a]re_, to pierce.]
FORASMUCH, for'az-much, _conj._ because that.
FORAY, for'[=a], _n._ a sudden incursion into an enemy's country.--_v.t._
to ravage.--_n._ FOR'AYER. [Ety. obscure, but ult. identical with _forage_
(q.v.).]
FORBADE, for-bad', _pa.t._ of _forbid_.
FORBEAR, for-b[=a]r', _v.i._ to keep one's self in check: to
abstain.--_v.t._ to abstain from: to avoid voluntarily: to spare, to
withhold.--_n._ FORBEAR'ANCE, exercise of patience: command of temper:
clemency.--_adjs._ FORBEAR'ANT, FORBEAR'ING, long-suffering:
patient.--_adv._ FORBEAR'INGLY. [A.S. _forberan_, pa.t. _forbær_, pa.p.
_forboren_. See pfx. _for-_ and _bear_.]
FORBID, for-bid', _v.t._ to prohibit: to command not to do: (_Shak._) to
restrain.--_n._ FORBID'DANCE, prohibition: command or edict against a
thing.--_adj._ FORBID'DEN, prohibited: unlawful.--_adv._ FORBID'DENLY
(_Shak._), in a forbidden or unlawful manner.--_adj._ FORBID'DING,
repulsive: raising dislike: unpleasant.--_adv._ FORBID'DINGLY.--_n._
FORBID'DINGNESS.--FORBIDDEN, or PROHIBITED, DEGREES, degrees of
consanguinity within which marriage is not allowed; FORBIDDEN FRUIT, or
_Adam's apple_, a name fancifully given to the fruit of various species of
Citrus, esp. to one having tooth-marks on its rind. [A.S. _forbéodan_,
pa.t. _forbéad_, pa.p. _forboden_. See pfx. _for-_, and _bid_; cf. Ger.
_verbieten_.]
FORBORE, for-b[=o]r', _pa.t._ of _forbear_.--_pa.p._ FORBORNE'.
FORBY, for-b[=i]', _prep._ (_Spens._) near, past: (_Scot._) besides.