Also fletch. [f. FLITCH sb.1] trans. a. To cut (a log) into flitches, also, to cut as a flitch is cut. b. To cut (halibut) into flitches or steaks. Hence Flitching vbl. sb., in quot. attrib.
1875. T. Laslett, Timber, xxvi. 193. Great care is therefore necessary in preparing the wood for use by flitching the log so as to cut all the defective portions of the heart out, and using only the perfectly sound timber. Ibid., xxvi. 202. Some extremely long and broad planks, or thick-stuff, of this description of timber, which had been apparently flitched from some of the hollow trees.
1883. Fisheries Exhib. Catal., 197. Finning and flitching knives.
1884. Knight, Dict. Mech., 348/1. Flitching Knife. (Fishing.) For slicing halibut, etc., into steaks or flitches, in preparation for salting and smoking.
