I. ˈflek transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from flecked, adjective, spotted, dappled (taken as a past participle), from Middle English, probably modification (influenced by Middle English -ed ) (I) of Old Norse flekkōttr, from flekkr spot; akin to Middle Dutch vlecke spot, stain, Old High German flec, fleccho spot, piece of land, and perhaps to Latin plaga region — more at flake
: streak , stripe : variegate , dapple , spot
blood flecked the snow
II. noun
( -s )
1. : spot , mark : as
a. : a blemish (as a freckle) on the skin
b. : a spot of color or brightness
flecks of fire rose from the embers
a tweed brightened with flecks and nubs of bright wool
2. : flake , particle
a fleck of soot on her nose
scattered flecks of snow
3. : any of various plant diseases of which the characteristic injury takes the form of small usually elongated discolored lesions of the foliage
fleck in lilies appears to be a virus disease though similar conditions in other plants may be caused by fungi
III. intransitive verb
Etymology: perhaps alteration of flack (I)
now dialect Britain : flit , flutter
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of flick (II)
dialect England : leaf fat
V. noun
( -s )
Etymology: irregular from flea
Scotland : flea