fleer

¹

[ fleer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to grin or laugh coarsely or mockingly.

verb (used with object)

1. to mock or deride.

noun

1. a fleering look; a jeer or gibe.

fleer

²

[ flee-er ]

noun

1. a person who flees.

fleer

/ flɪə /

verb

1. to grin or laugh at; scoff; sneer

noun

1. a derisory glance or grin

Derived Forms

• ˈfleeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• fleering·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleer¹

1350–1400; Middle English flerien (v.) < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian flire a grin

Origin of fleer²

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; flee, -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleer¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flire to snigger

Example Sentences

The pointers came to the wire mesh of the kennel, wriggling like happy snakes and sneezing with enthusiasm, and even the sickly one came out of his house and fleered at us.

From Literature

For, fleer as aliens would, this was the Awakening of the Red Dragon.

From Project Gutenberg

They mock and fleer at us sons of honest toil.

From Project Gutenberg

THE reporter's fleering smile and his acidulous "Thank you, Miss Cabot," convinced Persis that the man had, with the sophistication reporters learn too well, put the worst possible interpretation on her forest promenade with Forbes.

From Project Gutenberg

It was half open, and the moon’s licht danced in on the fleer.

From Project Gutenberg