I. ˈflēə(r), -li(ə)r, -liə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from flen to flee + -er, -ere -er
: one that flees
II. ˈfli(ə)r, -iə verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English fleryen, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flire to giggle, Swedish (dial.) flira — more at flimflam
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to laugh, grin, or grimace in a coarse manner
b. : to make a wry face in contempt or grin in scorn : sneer , mock , gibe
2. obsolete : to grin or smile with an often affected or artful air of civility
transitive verb
: to laugh at contemptuously : make a mock of : hold up to contempt
Synonyms: see scoff
III. noun
( -s )
1. : a word or look of derision or mockery
and mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns — Shakespeare
2. : a grin simulating civility : leer