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

Half way up there seemed to be stretched a par-fleche (raw-hide), from which a dim light emanated.

Conceive that they have enabled me to seize La Fleche, the most dangerous, insidious and skilful of all Napoleon's agents.

He had a priest with him, one La Fleche, whom he urged to the pious work.

Just as they neared La Fleche, a squadron of the enemy's cavalry fell upon the rear of the column.

It was a strongly-built square redoubt, the entrance being protected by a fleche.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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