fleer
1 Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of fleer1
1350–1400; Middle English flerien (v.) < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian flire a grin
Origin of fleer2
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at flee, -er 1
Vocabulary lists containing fleer
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.
Then out it speaks the king himsell,85 And aye as he steps in the fleer; Says, "I grant you your life, lady, Because you are of tender year."
From English and Scottish Ballads (volume 3 of 8) by Various
He expressed himself, of course, with eccentric ABANDON—it would have been impossible for him to do otherwise; but he was content to indicate his deepest feelings with a fleer.
From Eminent Victorians by Strachey, Giles Lytton
Yes, Abner, but thus soon to yield, Neighbours would fleer, and look behind 'em; Though, with a husband in the field, Perhaps, indeed, I should not mind 'em.
From Wild Flowers Or, Pastoral and Local Poetry by Bloomfield, Robert
But as she passed through the portal down the steps of the turret, she flung back certain words with a defiant fleer.
From The Black Douglas by Richards, Frank
Ah! would you fleer me! his lordship among revellers! oh! the blest prodigy! well, well, I give no promise, mark; but should a certain damsel lack a partner, adod.
From The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor Volume I, Number 1 by Carpenter, S. C. (Stephen Cullen)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
