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Showing results for fleer. Search instead for fleers.
Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a derisory glance or grin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

See Examples For:

Why didst thou fleer at our Friend, who feigned himself asleep? he said nothing, but how dost thou know what he containeth?

From A Century of English Essays An Anthology Ranging from Caxton to R. L. Stevenson & the Writers of Our Own Time by Rhys, Ernest

Perhaps there was some truth in Betty's fleer, of her never having known any better company than that of the village apothecary.

From Doctor Cupid by Broughton, Rhoda

He had discussed everything under heaven in his brilliant, erratic way, with a fleer of cynicism toward it all, but he had left himself out completely.

From O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1920 by Various

They sha' na flout and fleer, the feckless queans, the hissies wha'll threep to stan' i' your auld shoon ae day!

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 11, No. 63, January, 1863 by Various

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

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