[Cf. FAKE sb.1 and Ger. flechte of same meaning.] = FAKE sb.1

1

1626.  Capt. Smith, Accidence, 27. Coyle yoar cable an small flakes [printed slakes].

2

1891.  H. L. Webb, in Electr. in Daily Life, Making a Cable, 178. The cable is arranged in flat coils occupying the whole space between the cone and the side of the tank: each coil is technically known as a ‘flake.’

3