flèche

[fleysh, flesh]

noun

plural

flèches 

1. Architecture.,  a steeple or spire, especially one in the Gothic style, emerging from the ridge of a roof.

2. Fortification.,  a fieldwork consisting of two faces forming a salient angle with an open gorge.

3. 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 /

noun

1. Also called: spirelet. a slender spire, esp over the intersection of the nave and transept ridges of a church roof

2. a pointed part of a fortification directed towards the attackers

3. fencing a short running attack

Word History and Origins

Origin of flèche¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flèche¹

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