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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

flay

Audio Help [fley] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used with object)

1.	to strip off the skin or outer covering of.

2.	to criticize or scold with scathing severity.

3.	to deprive or strip of money or property.

[Origin: bef. 900; ME flen, OE fléan; c. MD vlaen, ON flā

]

—Related forms

flayer, noun

—Synonyms 2. castigate, excoriate, upbraid, chew out.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
flay

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

flay Audio Help (flā) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. flayed, flay·ing, flays

To strip off the skin or outer covering of.
To strip of money or goods; fleece.
To whip or lash.
To assail with stinging criticism; excoriate.

[Middle English flen, from Old English flēan.]

flay'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
flay

O.E. flean "to skin" (strong verb, pt. flog, pp. flagen), from P.Gmc. *flakhanan (cf. M.Du. vlaen, O.N. fla), from PIE root *plak- (cf. Gk. plessein "to strike").

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