vbl. sb. dial. [f. FLEY v. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. FLEY; an instance of this; hence, fright, fear. Also concr. Something that frightens; a hobgoblin.
c. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 6112. Þe day of flaying and of af[r]ay.
1811. Willan, in Archæologia, XVII. 146. Flaying, an apparition or hobgoblin.
1869. Peacock, Lonsdale Gloss., Flayin’, a spectre, an apparition.
1876. Whitby Gloss., ‘I gat a sair flaying.’
