flèche

[ fleysh; French flesh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural flè·ches [fley, -shiz, flesh].

Architecture. a steeple or spire, especially one in the Gothic style, emerging from the ridge of a roof.
Fortification. a fieldwork consisting of two faces forming a salient angle with an open gorge.
Fencing. a method of attack with saber or épée in which the attacker leaves from the rear foot and advances rapidly toward the opponent.

flèche

/ flɛʃ; fleɪʃ /

Also calledspirelet a slender spire, esp over the intersection of the nave and transept ridges of a church roof
a pointed part of a fortification directed towards the attackers
fencing a short running attack

Origin of flèche¹

1700–10; < French: literally, arrow, probably < Germanic. fly ²

Origin of flèche¹

C18: from French: spire (literally: arrow), probably of Germanic origin; related to Middle Low German flieke long arrow

Father Massé returned to his former position of minister at the college of La Flèche.

But would the same hold true if instead of being in front he had been behind the pedestal, as Mr. La Flèche is now?

Arrived at the upper pedestal, Mr. La Flèche took his place, received the third arrow and presently delivered it.

Instead of a crown is sometimes a flèche, two quivers and a bow—a love token.

Did he know, after all, what had occurred at La Flèche, and had he begun to suspect me?

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse