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flinching - 4 dictionary results

flinch

1[flinch]
–verb (used without object)
1. to draw back or shrink, as from what is dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant.
2. to shrink under pain; wince.
3. Croquet. to let the foot slip from the ball in the act of croqueting.
–verb (used with object)
4. to draw back or withdraw from.
–noun
5. an act of flinching.

Origin:
1555–65; perh. nasalized var. of dial. flitch to flit, shift one's position


flincher, noun
flinch⋅ing⋅ly, adverb


1. recoil, withdraw, blench.

flinch

2[flinch]
–verb (used with object)
flense.

flense

[flens]
–verb (used with object), flensed, flens⋅ing.
1. to strip the blubber or the skin from (a whale, seal, etc.).
2. to strip off (blubber or skin).
Also, flench [flench] , flinch.


Origin:
1805–15; < Dan flense or D flensen


flenser, noun
flinch   (flĭnch)   
intr.v.   flinched, flinch·ing, flinch·es
  1. To start or wince involuntarily, as from surprise or pain.
  2. To recoil, as from something unpleasant or difficult; shrink.
n.  An act or instance of starting, wincing, or recoiling.

[Obsolete French flenchir, of Germanic origin.]
flinch'er n., flinch'ing·ly adv.
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