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.
All that a doctor could do, I take it, would be to open a vein, and that I could do along with the best of them, if I had but my fleam here.”
From A Dark Night's Work by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
It is not clear whether this fleam was used for human or for animal bloodletting.
From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Toby Appel
Also pictured are a fleam for making scarifications, the pattern of scarifications, a metal cup, and a leech.
From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Toby Appel
The fleam should be banished from among the instruments of the veterinary surgeon.
From The Dog by William Youatt
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
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