— flourisher , n.
/flerr"ish, flur"-/ , v.i.
1. to be in a vigorous state; thrive: a period in which art flourished.
2. to be in its or in one's prime; be at the height of fame, excellence, influence, etc.
3. to be successful; prosper.
4. to grow luxuriantly, or thrive in growth, as a plant.
5. to make dramatic, sweeping gestures: Flourish more when you act out the king's great death scene.
6. to add embellishments and ornamental lines to writing, letters, etc.
7. to sound a trumpet call or fanfare.
v.t.
8. to brandish dramatically; gesticulate with: a conductor flourishing his baton for the crescendo.
9. to decorate or embellish (writing, a page of script, etc.) with sweeping or fanciful curves or lines.
n.
10. an act or instance of brandishing.
11. an ostentatious display.
12. a decoration or embellishment, esp. in writing: He added a few flourishes to his signature.
13. Rhet. a parade of fine language; an expression used merely for effect.
14. a trumpet call or fanfare.
15. a condition or period of thriving: in full flourish.
[ 1250-1300; ME florisshen floriss-, long s. of florir florere to bloom, deriv. of flos FLOWER ]
Syn. 1. grow, increase. See succeed. 9. ornament. 12. ornament, adornment.
Ant. 1. fade, decline.