fleam
Americannoun
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Surgery. a kind of lancet, as for opening veins.
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the beveled leading edge of a sawtooth.
noun
Etymology
Origin of fleam
1375–1425; late Middle English fleme, fleom < Middle French flieme ≪ Late Latin phlebotomus, < Greek phlebotómon; see phlebo-, tome
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In cases of urgent haste, where no lancet is at hand, a small penknife may be used; but the fleam is a dangerous and objectionable instrument.
From Sheep, Swine, and Poultry Embracing the History and Varieties of Each; The Best Modes of Breeding; Their Feeding and Management; Together with etc. by Robert Jennings
A piece of hard wood loaded at one end with lead, and used to strike the fleam into the vein.
From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Noah Webster
The blade was positioned at right angles to the spring and case, thus adopting the basic shape of the fleam.
From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Toby Appel
Taking a fleam from her pocket, she lanced the lump and let it bleed freely.
From The Narrative of Gordon Sellar Who Emigrated to Canada in 1825 by Gordon Sellar
The hardness of the fleam metal indicated that it was carburized sufficiently to be made of steel.
From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Toby Appel
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
