n. & v.
--n.
1. a a light, sharp, quickly retracted blow with a whip etc. b the sudden release of a bent finger or thumb, esp. to propel a small object.
2 a sudden movement or jerk.
3 a quick turn of the wrist in playing games, esp. in throwing or striking a ball.
4 a slight, sharp sound.
5 Brit. colloq. a a cinema film. b (in pl.; prec. by the) the cinema.
--v.
1. tr. (often foll. by away, off) strike or move with a flick (flicked the ash off his cigar; flicked away the dust).
2 tr. give a flick with (a whip, towel, etc.).
3 intr. make a flicking movement or sound.
Phrases and idioms:
flick-knife a weapon with a blade that springs out from the handle when a button is pressed. flick through
1. turn over (cards, pages, etc.).
2 a turn over the pages etc. of, by a rapid movement of the fingers. b look cursorily through (a book etc.).
Etymology: ME, imit.