flinch 1
— flincher , n. — flinchingly , adv.
/flinch/ , v.i.
1. to draw back or shrink, as from what is dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant.
2. to shrink under pain; wince.
3. Croquet. to let the foot slip from the ball in the act of croqueting.
v.t.
4. to draw back or withdraw from.
n.
5. an act of flinching.
[ 1555-65; perh. nasalized var. of dial. flitch to flit, shift one's position ]
Syn. 1. recoil, withdraw, blench.
flinch 2
/flinch/ , v.t.
flense.