dial. Also flasher. [of uncertain origin; by some regarded as a corruption of FLESHER (cf. the synonym butcher-bird); by others referred to FLUSH v.2, the name being supposed to refer to the red color. Cf. also FLUSH v.1] The Red-backed Shrike, Lanius collurio.
1674. Ray, Eng. Words, 83. The lesser Butcher-bird, called in Yorkshire, Flusher, Lanius tertius.
1885. Swainson, Prov. Names Brit. Birds, 47–8. Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)…. Flayer or Flusher (Cornwall).
