fleer

¹ American  

[fleer] / flɪər /

verb (used without object)

1. to grin or laugh coarsely or mockingly.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to mock or deride.

noun

1. a fleering look; a jeer or gibe.

fleer ² American  

[flee-er] / ˈfli ər /

noun

1. a person who flees.

---

fleer British  

/ flɪə /

verb

1. to grin or laugh at; scoff; sneer

---

noun

1. a derisory glance or grin

Other Word Forms

• fleeringly
  adverb

---

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fleer

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 Robert Bloomfield

And cannot I likewise, when time serves, and company is disposed to be kindly affected with it, smile and fleer as takingly?

From History of English Humour, Vol. 1 With an Introduction upon Ancient Humour by Alfred Guy Kingan L'Estrange

"Durn my boots ef I didn't furgit the password!" cried Nick Peters with his little falsetto laugh, that seemed keyed for a fleer, although it was most graciously modulated now.

From The Mystery of Witch-Face Mountain and Other Stories by Mary Noailles Murfree

But there, you will, and your sisters will have something to fleer and jeer at then, and your father will purr in my face, and spit and swear behind my back.

From Mad A Story of Dust and Ashes by George Manville Fenn

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 S. C. (Stephen Cullen) Carpenter

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---