Obs. exc. dial. [? var. of FLAG v.1] intr. To fly low; to flit, flutter about.

1

1565.  Golding, Ovid’s Met., VIII. (1593), 189.

        Yet mounteth not this Bird aloft ne seemes to have a will
To build hir nest in tops of trees among the boughes on hie
But flecketh nere the ground and layes hir egges in hedges drie.

2

1621.  Markham, Prev. Hunger (1655), 200. The old Cocke, the old Henne, and all their poots as they flecke and runne together in the thicke & obscure woods.

3

1621.  G. Sandys, Ovid’s Met., VIII. (1626), 156.

        They neuer mount aloft, nor trust their birth
To tops of trees; but fleck as lowe as earth,
And lay their egs in tufts.

4

1884.  Chesh. Gloss., Fleck, to fly.

5

  transf. and fig.  1627–77.  Feltham, Resolves, II. xiv. 188. He flecks from one Egg to another, so hatcheth nothing at last, but addles all his Actions..

6

1648.  Earl Westmoreland, Otia Sacra (1879), 152.

        Yet the Relict for to prevent Fates charmes,
Doth voluntary fleck into Deaths armes.

7

1652.  Shirley, Sisters, Prol., 11.

        The Town will still be flecking, and a Play,
Though ne’er so new, will starve the second day.

8