I. ˈflid.ə(r), -itə- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: freq. of flit (I)
intransitive verb
1. : flutter , flicker
birds flittering above the water
boyish plans for the summer flittered into his mind
2. obsolete : to burst into fragments, dust, or foam
3. archaic : waver , droop
transitive verb
: to cause to move rapidly to and fro
the way a skilled shuffler flitters the cards
a fledgling flittering his wings preparatory to flight
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: flit (I) + -er
: one that flits ; especially Britain : a workman who moves a coal conveyor or cutting machine
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: German; akin to Middle High German vlittern to whisper, giggle, Old High German flitarezzen to flatter, caress, Old English floterian to flutter — more at flutter
1. : a small bit or flake of metal
2. : fine metal fragments usually coarser than bronze powder that are used for ornamentation and often applied in a volatile vehicle or on an adhesive base (as of size)
IV.
dialect
variant of fritter II